Manila, Philippines - Far Eastern University needed a strong finish to beat Letran, 79-68, to barge into the win column of the fourth FCBL Freego Cup at the Buddhacare Gym.
Clinging on a two-point lead with three minutes left, 70-68, Jerry Pinggoy led a crucial 9-0 wind up to help the Baby Tams broke away from a tight contest of the annual high school cagefest also supported by Talk ‘N Text.
Pinggoy led FEU with 22 points and bagged the Freego Player of the Game honor as the Baby Tams ended a two-game slide in Group B.
Ivan Villanueva paced all scorers with 25 for the Squires, who dropped to 1-1 in the tourney, which also has the backing of Powerbest Mktg Inc., Colt Commercial, Oceanic Container Lines Inc., Old Chinatown Kopitiam, Mandarin Sky Seafood Shabu-Shabu Restaurant, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Fresh Gear, Apple Tape and Happe Toothpaste.
Mapua stayed unbeaten after three games in Group B as the Red Robbins edged Adamson, 76-73.
Ariel Basas and Jay Alejandro combined for 30 points for Mapua. Justine Jardas had 19 markers for the Baby Falcons, who slipped to 1-2 in the team standing.
In Group A battle, National University demolished University of Santo Tomas, 73-58, to improve its mark to 3-1. Rash Rivero led the Bullpups with 14 points while Joshua Almajeda had 13 for the Tiger Cubs, who absorbed their third loss in four games.
Perpetual Help beat Jose Rizal University, 57-41, also in Group A. The Light Bombers upped their mark to 2-1 while the Junior Altas dropped to 0-4.