The De La Salle Green Archers received a wake-up call on Saturday evening, dropping its season opener to the FEU Tamaraws, 82-77, at the Araneta Coliseum.
DLSU led by as much as 13 in the contest, but a second half explosion by Tamaraws star Mike Tolomia helped FEU rally back and win the contest.
Almond Vosotros led the Taft-based squad with 18 points, while Jeron Teng tallied 14 markers and four rebounds.
Jason Perkins finished with 11, but fouled out and missed all of his attempts from 3-point range. As a team, the Green Archers went 7-of-24 from downtown, and missed 10 of their 30 attempts at the free throw line.
La Salle raced off to a quick start, leading 23-10 at the conclusion of the first quarter following a Vosotros trey.
However, the Tamaraws rallied in the second period, forcing DLSU to turnovers and getting within four, 37-33, at the half.
DLSU outrebounded their opponents, 42-34, but had 16 costly turnovers that led to nine points. The team also got only 18 points from its bench.
La Salle led by two entering the fourth period, but 13 straight points by Tolomia spearheaded the Tamaraws’ final assault. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Tolomia connected with Carl Cruz on a pick and roll play that extended the lead to four and put the game out of hand.
Rookies Prince Rivero, Abu Tratter, and Julian Sargent each had two points in their debuts, while Terrence Mustre did not see action.
FEU: Tolomia 23, Belo 20, Escoto 13, Cruz 11, Pogoy 6, Inigo 4, Jose 3, Hargrove 2, Denila 0, Escoto 0, Dennison 0, Tamsi 0.
DLSU: Vosotros 18, Teng 14, Perkins 11, Torres 9, Van Opstal 7, Montalbo 6, Torres 6, Tratter 2, Sargent 2, Bolick 0, Andrada 0.
Quarter Scoring: 10-23, 33-37, 57-59, 82-77.