Mark Isip and Arwind Santos played key roles as the Tamaraws withstood the Maroons’ tough resistance and completed a seven-game sweep in the first round of the eliminations.
Isip scored a game-high 18 points while Santos came up with 16 points, including two clutch baskets down the stretch that sealed their victory.
"We’re happy we reached our initial goal," said FEU coach Bert Flores. "Our work will not stop here. We know we have to work harder in the second round because everybody wants to stop us."
The Maroons put in so much effort in a bid to deny the Tamaraws a sweep but failed, suffering a third defeat against four wins instead.
Isip, a 24-year-old management student who skipped turning pro for another crack at a crown, admitted they had a hard time disposing of the Maroons.
"This is our toughest game so far. Malalaki din kasi sila kaya pinahirapan kami," said Isip.
The Maroons outrebounded the Tams, 52-39, but struggled with poor field-goal shooting.
Mike Gavino, a transferee from La Salle, had a double-double game with 14 points and 11 rebounds as he carried much of the fight for the Maroons with the usually dependable duo of Nestor David and Abe Santos groping for form.
Earlier, defending champion La Salle whipped up a third quarter storm as it surged past National U, 91-70, to end its first round campaign with four wins against three losses.
Joseph Yeo exploded with a personal season-high 30 points that went with eight boards, five steals, three assists and a block as the Archers dealt the Bulldogs a seventh straight defeat.