FAR Eastern University and the University of the Philippines put away their respective foes for their second win in as many games in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.
FEU survived a scorching rally by the Arellano Chiefs to win, 87-81, while UP held off College of Saint Benilde, 77-70.
The FEU Tamaraws raced to a 17-point fourth quarter lead but saw it cut down to two points, 83-81, behind a scorching rally anchored by Kent Michael Salado and Zach Nicholls time down to one minute.
After a missed three-point attempt by Nicholls, FEU guard Hubert Cani drained a jumper with Salado all over him to give his side some breathing space. Arellano had a chance to cut the lead once more but Nicholls and Salado missed their three-point attempts. Prince Orizu hit two more free throws for the final points.
Despite still having quite a few veterans from their teams that made the NCAA Finals two times in the past four seasons, the Chiefs have bene struggling. Salado has carried the team and without him on the floor, they have looked lost all the more.
Salado scored 22 points and added seven rebounds and five assists and his strong play allowed Nicholls to drill four triples for 12 points.
FEU saw six players score in double digits. They were led by Orizu’s 14 points and seven rebounds.
UP held CSB at bay all match long with smart playmaking and timely baskets to dispatch a tough CSB team that managed to compete even without injured forward Yankee Haruna who is out with a sprained ankle.
Paul Desiderio led UP with 24 points while Rob Ricafort added 12 points. CSB saw African Clement Leutcheu lead the team for the first time in socring with 18 markers, while Rene Santa Maria and Edward Dixon added 16 and 12 respectively.