FAR Eastern University is off to a fine start, thanks to a
senior backcourt man keeping the team steady in shaky situations.
Fifth-year guard Benedict Fernandez came up with an
impressive performance last week, averaging 20 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2
assists to lead the Tamaraws to back-to-back victories in the 71st UAAP men's
basketball tournament, earning him Player of the Week from the UAAP Press
Corps.
"Last year, we had no one leading us in the end-game. This
time, I see several leaders in the team like Fernandez. That's what we need,"
said FEU coach Glenn Capacio.
Fernandez waxed hot last Sunday by firing 15 of his 24
points from beyond the arc to lift the Tamaraws past the relentless UST Tigers
70-65.
Three days earlier, the 6-foot Fernandez also drilled nine
of his 16 points from three-point range in the Tamaraws' 88-66 rout of UP.
The twin wins helped the Tamaraws improve to 3-1 and join
defending champion La Salle at second place behind unbeaten Ateneo (4-0).
"I hope we can sustain our run because as I've said before, there are seven
teams who have a chance to make it to the Finals this season," Capacio added.
