He who gets the rebounds controls the game.
This reminder proved to be timeless, and the Tamaraws crashed the boards with perfection.
Far Eastern University (FEU), runner-up for three of the last six seasons, thumped University of Santo Tomas (UST), 75-64, to get the 1-0 edge in the University Athletic Association men’s basketball finals Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
But the real game was not reflected in the final score, but in the rebounding stats, with FEU dominating 56-31.
IN PHOTOS: FEU’s domination of UST in game one
“We need to help each other to get rebounds so we can set our transition offense,” said Mac Belo after the game, who led his team with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
While starting out flat in the early minutes of the game offensively, the Tamaraws rotated the ball very well, thriving on set plays and Roger Pogoy’s hot game (12 of his team-high 15 points) in the first quarter.
The Tamaraw domination went up a notch in the second quarter, with Prince Orizu scoring five of FEU’s points in a 10-2 run that brought them up, 41-29.
Orizu, FEU’s prized rookie center, finished with 10 points, which included three power dunks to wow the crowd.
“Prince is not lengthy, he is heavy. I had a hard time moving against him,” commented Thomasian center Karim Abdul, who topscored for UST with 19 points, on his rival.
Undaunted despite having a clear height disadvantage, UST fought back by fastbreaking in the fourth quarter.
The Growling Tigers opened the final period with a 9-2 run as they grabbed the lead, 60-59, with a hard drive by Abdul.
IN PHOTOS: FEU’s domination of UST in game one
After a scoring exchange by Tamaraw Russell Escoto and Tiger Louie Vigil, FEU unleashed 14 straight points brought about by their impeccable offensive rebounding and pressing defense to ultimately steal the game away from the Tigers.
But FEU cannot be complacent, reminded head coach Nash Racela.
“We’ve learned a lesson from last year’s finals. This is the correct time to stay humble,” he said.
Game 2 is on Saturday, November 28, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum where the Tamaraws can reclaim the crown they last held in 2005.
