Tams gain entry in QF

Manila, Philippines - Rampaging Far Eastern University formalized its stint in the quarterfinal round as it routed hapless College of St. Benilde, 81-49, for its seventh straight victory in the 2011 Filoil Flying V Hanes Pre-season Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Tamaraws charged out of the opening buzzer with guns blazing, unleashing a 20-0 start to take the fight away from the hard-luck Blazers and formally clinch a slot in the Last 8.

“A 7-0 record is okay but what’s important is the coming playoffs because that’s where our progress will be put to a serious test,” said FEU coach Bert Flores. “But I like it that the boys already have been playing with much confidence.”

Terrence Romeo fired 14 points and Pippo Noundou added 12 for the Group B leader Tams.

Jonathan Grey shot 14 for CSB, which fell to its seventh straight loss.

In Group A, defending champion San Sebastian clobbered Arellano U, 82-68, to stretch its win run to five and move closer to the quarters with 5-1. The Chiefs dropped to 1-5.

In the other Group B match, Jose Rizal University pulled off a come-from-behind 74-68 triumph over Emilio Aguinaldo College to arrest a three-game skid.

Shooting guard Nate Matute waxed hot with 20 points, including 12 in the last five minutes, as the Bombers erased an eight-point deficit to beat the EAC side and improve to 3-4.

“The guys showed a lot of heart down the stretch. We were able to execute and remain calm when it mattered. We showed character today,’’ said JRU mentor Vergel Meneses, whose wards stayed in the hunt for a quarterfinal seat.

Matute uncorked two successive triples that gave JRU a 66-60 cushion entering the final 2:20. The Generals countered with a 5-0 blast but the Bombers put them away for good with five unanswered points. 

Jan Jamon (16) led the way for EAC, which slipped to 2-5.