TAMING THE TIGERS: Chambers, FEU expect dogfight against dangerous UST

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

3 p.m. — UST vs FEU

5:30 p.m. — Adamson vs UP

Far Eastern University (FEU) finds itself in unfamiliar territory atop of the standings with just a couple of games left before the end of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tournament first round.

Already enjoying their best start in 11 years with four straight victories, the Tamaraws now seek to add University of Santo Tomas (UST) to their list of victims Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Head coach Sean Chambers knows that FEU’s league-leading 4-1 win-loss record won’t mean much when the Tamaraws battle the Tigers at 3 p.m. given their head-to-head history.

Since the former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Best Import took over the FEU coaching reins three years ago, the Tamaraws have only one of their last four meetings.

“The team that we basically had the hardest time since I’ve been here has been UST. They pretty much have our numbers,” Chambers admitted.

But momentum is definitely on FEU’s side.

After an opening day loss to Adamson University, the Tamaraws went on a rampage by beating University of the East, defending champion De La Salle University, University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo de Manila University.

FEU demolished the Blue Eagles, 93-70, last Saturday to keep the season’s longest active win streak going.

Chambers, however, reminds his wards not to think much about what the opponents will do but how they should move and work inside the court.

“We just have to take care of our business. We’re not talking about wins and losses — even with the management — we’re talking about habits. Winning habits, winning games. We’re talking about rebounding, sharing the ball, getting the assists and defending,” Chambers said.

FEU’s record after five outings is its best output since a 6-1 first round finish during the Tamaraws’ last title conquest back in 2015.

“This is the UAAP. We do know the pressure continues to mount as we continue to win.”

Chambers will pin his hopes on the consistent production of Kirby Mongcopa, Jorick Bautista, rookie Cabs Cabonilas and reigning Most Valuable Player Janrey Pasaol.

Focus is also on FEU big man Mo Konateh, who had a double-double of 29 markers and 11 boards last game, as he matches up against UST’s Collins Akowe.

The Tigers, on the other hand, are on a prowl to get back on the winning track after suffering a blowout at the hands of Adamson, 57-85, and a heartbreaking 85-87 defeat to National University last Saturday.

UST is at seventh with a 2-3 slate.

Meanwhile, UP is looking for a fitting follow-up to its huge win over the Green Archers when it squares off against Adamson at 5:30 p.m.

The Fighting Maroons arrested a two-game slide with an 80-76 revenge victory over last season’s finals tormentor La Salle last Sunday.

UP and the Falcons are tied at 3-2 slates, with the winner of the clash climbing up to a share of second spot with idle NU (4-2).

Adamson is fresh off a 71-64 escape over winless University of the East last Sunday.