Far Eastern University young star Janrey Pasaol. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — Far Eastern University spoiled the late attempt of Ateneo de Manila University to stage a comeback during their UAAP Season 87 men's basketball clash on Saturday.

The Tamaraws turned back the Blue Eagles, 65-54, and this pushed the Tab Baldwin-mentored team on the brink of elimination from Final Four contention.

Janrey Pasaol had an all-around outing of 14 points — his career-best in scoring in the UAAP — seven rebounds, and six assists for FEU which improved to 5-8.

"I'm so proud of these guys," said Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers, whose squad broke away in the second half, and even led by as much as 14, 56-42. "I've been pretty tough on them in practice, and I sent them a message today on our chat that says: I'm hard on discipline because I love you. If I don't love you, I won't discipline you."

"But I want the best for you, and these guys have responded amazingly," continued Chamber. 

This was evident as aside from Pasaol — who also had his best game in the UAAP in terms of assists — also stepping up for the Morayta-based hoopers were Rojan Montemayor (13 points, 3/6 3pts), Mo Konateh (11 points, 21 rebounds two blocks, one steal), and Royce Alforque and Jorick Bautista posted eight markers each.

These numbers, particularly Konateh's rebounding, were the most crucial part of the Tamaraws' victory as this allowed FEU to not only outrebounded ADMU, 51-40, but also post a 20-to-5 advantage in second-chance points.  

Aside from this, Chambers was also in awe of how Pasaol was able to help move up to No.5 in the standings, still a good spot for the Final 4-seeking Tamaraws.

"Honestly, Janrey has been our leader since when I came here," said the PBA legend. "Veejay [Pre] has been our number one guy, but Janrey has been the general on the floor. And today, he was amazing because he has an amazing feel for the game."

"You're starting to see Janrey be comfortable, we're starting to feel comfortable, so we're gonna see what happens. But we're happy to be in contention for the Final Four this late in the season, we're still playing for something," he added. 

On the other hand, the Blue Eagles now sit at 3-9, and a win by University of Santo Tomas against the University of the East will make their elimination from playoff contention official. 

Ian Espinosa was the lone Atenean who finished in double digits as he scored 14 markers on top of six dimes and two boards. 

THE SCORES:

FEU 65 – Pasaol 14, Montemayor 13, Konateh 11, Bautista 8, Alforque 8, Pre 5, Daa 4, Bagunu 2, Nakai 0, Ona 0.

Ateneo 54 – Espinosa 14, Bahay 9, Porter 8, Ong 7, Koon 5, Tuano 4, Lazaro 4, Quitevis 3, Bongo 0, Balogun 0, Espina 0, Edu 0, Gamber 0.

Quarterscores: 20-16, 33-29, 54-42, 65-54.