FEU stays in hunt for UAAP Final Four slot

MANILA – Far Eastern University stayed in the hunt for a semifinal berth after prevailing over Ateneo de Manila University, 65-54, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men's basketball at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday.

The Tamaraws improved to 5-8 for solo fifth going into their final elimination match against University of the Philippines Maroons at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Nov. 16.

Defending champion De La Salle University (11-1) and UP (9-2) have already clinched the twice-to-beat incentives.

Fourth-running University of Santo Tomas (5-7) is battling No. 3 University of the East (6-5) as of posting time.

If UST wins, Ateneo (3-9) will miss the Final Four for the first time since 2013.

Rookie Janrey Pasaol had 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals while Rojan Montemayor added 13 points, including three triples, for FEU.

"I'm so proud of these guys. Last game, I've been pretty tough on them in practice…and their response have been amazing. They are just so good kids, they're disciplined and they want to win," FEU coach Sean Chambers said.

Gambian center Mohamed Konateh contributed 11 points and 21 rebounds, while Jorick Bautista and Royce Alforque chipped in eight points each.

Ian Espinosa finished with 14 points and six assists while Jared Bahay added nine points for Ateneo. (PNA)