MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University rolled to its second straight win with a 63-59 decision over a surprisingly tough Mapua squad while University of Santo Tomas stunned reigning UAAP champion National University in the FCBL-Freego Cup Tuesday at the Buddhacare gym in Quezon City.
Jeson Delfinado produced another solid performance, posting 15 points, nine rebounds and two steals as the Baby Tamaraws grabbed the early lead in the event considered the biggest high school pre-season tournament with a 2-0 record.
Delfinado, who emerged Freego Player of the Game in the tournament also sponsored by Smart, was ably supported by Joel Lee You who fired 13 points, six of them in the payoff period as they kept the Red Robbins at bay.
But the day belonged to the Tiger Cubs who sent the defending UAAP champions crashing with a 66-63 win – thanks largely to Alvin Baetiong’s versatile performance.
Baetiong posted a double-double performance with 10 points and 12 boards.
The event is also backed by Hapee Toothpaste, Fruitas Fruit Shake, Nikon Home Appliances, Colt Commercial, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Fern-C and Insular Place (Cebu).
Ateneo outlasted defending champion Hope Christian High School, 73-72, while STI spoiled the debut of Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) champion Chiang Kai Shek College, 68-55.
With their wins, Ateneo and UST forged a six-way tie for second to seventh places with Hope, NU and Mapua at 1-1.
Other recipients of the Freego Best Player of the Game awards were UST’s Baetiong, Ateneo’s Anton Asistio (20 pts., 4 assists) and STI’s Arjay Napenas (5-of-6 from the 3-point area).