As the game went down the wire against Adamson, FEU knew exactly when to turn to Janrey Pasaol—who delivered and helped the Tamaraws earn their first win of UAAP Season 88.
When the game was suddenly in doubt as Adamson threatened late, the ball found its way into the hands of Janrey Pasaol.
The FEU guard delivered, giving the Tamaraws not only relief but also a much-needed victory that had eluded them to start UAAP Season 88.
Pasaol sank the dagger three-pointer from the top of the arc, sealing a 64-58 win over the Soaring Falcons to push the Morayta-based squad into a 1-3 record halfway through the first round.
[ALSO READ: FEU charges past Adamson for breakthrough win in UAAP Season 88]
FEU saw its 11-point lead in the fourth quarter dwindle to just three at 61-58 , following Cedrick Manzano's lay-up to keep Adamson in it.
Moments later, Pasaol drilled the game’s biggest shot as he went on to finish with 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Mo Konateh posted 18 markers and 21 boards to lead the Tamaraws, while Kirby Mongcopa added 15.
As for Adamson, Matthew Montebon emerged as the lone bright spot with 14 points, but the Soaring Falcons slipped to 1-3 with back-to-back losses.
Repaying his coach's faith
The crucial triple was a powerful testament to the unwavering faith of FEU head coach Sean Chambers to Pasaol.
His sophomore guard had struggled mightily from deep in their season opener against Ateneo, missing all six of his three-point attempts.
Other coaches might have reined him in, but Chambers saw it differently.
“He shot 0-6 from three in our first game and what we talk about practice is that I don’t care [about that]. In order for you to be an elite level pro, you have to keep shooting those three balls,” Chambers said.
FEU head coach Sean Chambers on the sidelines in the Tamaraws-Soaring Falcons game in UAAP Season 88 | Photo: The UAAP
Pasaol appeared to put in the work from that point, shooting 7-for-12 in his next three games and sinking the aforementioned triple that finally put the Tamaraws in the win column.
“Kay coach Sean ko lang naranasan yung ganitong klase ng confidence na binibigay niya sa’kin,” he said.
“Sa practice pa lang tinutumbasan ko na talaga ‘yung tiwala niya and ‘yung naging resulta ngayong game is na-shoot ko ‘yung three points,” Pasaol added.
Janrey Pasaol glides past two Adamson players in the Tamaraws' win over the Soaring Falcons | Photo: The UAAP
FEU now aims to build on that momentum, but a challenging first meeting with the defending champions UP Fighting Maroons looms next for the Tamaraws for their next outing.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.