La Salle bounces back, survives FEU scare

De La Salle University bounced back at the expense of Far Eastern University, 74–72, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

After leading 64–51 at the end of the third period, the Tamaraws clawed their way back and came within one, 70–69, following a Janrey Pasaol split from the line at the 2:18 mark of the final frame.

Mason Amos and Doy Dungo then hit back-to-back jumpers to give the Green Archers a five-point cushion, before Jorick Bautista drilled a triple with less than a minute remaining.

Both teams missed their final attempts, allowing the Taft-based squad to escape with the win and bounce back from a loss to the University of Santo Tomas last Sunday.

Doy Dungo led La Salle with 17 points built on three treys, while Amos, Jacob Cortez, and EJ Gollena chipped in 14 points each. Despite being limited to six points, Mike Phillips nearly tallied a double-double with 13 rebounds and nine assists.

Pasaol finished with 25 points for the Tamaraws, while Mo Konateh contributed 14 points and 10 boards. Kirby Mongcopa and Bautista added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

With the win, La Salle improved to 2–1, while FEU dropped to 0–3.

Scores:

La Salle 74 – Dungo 17, Amos 14, Cortez 14, Gollena 14, Phillips 6, Marasigan 5, Pablo 2, Abadam 2, Daep 0, Melecio 0.

FEU 72 – Pasaol 25, Konateh 14, Mongcopa 13, Bautista 10, Owens 6, Daa 2, Ona 2, Bagunu 0, Montemayor 0, Salangsang 0, Amos 0.

Quarters: 21-14, 37-30, 64-51, 74-72.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News