Ilonggo Sajonia steers FEU to first-ever win in UAAP Season 85

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Ilonggo guard John Bryan Sajonia displayed one of his best games of the season and led the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws to their first win of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Sajonia’s break-out game lifted the Tamaraws over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 75-60, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The former Santa Clarita International School of Iloilo main gunner went unconscious from the shooting field and ended the game with 23 big points.

What was most impressive about Sajonia’s stat line was the perfect 9/9 shooting from inside the three-point line built from his consistent perimeter jump shots and his aggressive drives to the basket.

It was a see-saw battle in the first half but after the Sajonia onslaught in the third quarter, the Tamaraws grabbed a double-digit lead and went by 15 points at the 6:03 mark of the final canto.

The Tamaraws then took full control of the game and bullied the struggling UST squad with their efficient offensive executions.

Backstopping Sajonia during the win was veteran scoring machine Ljay Gonzales who contributed 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Gonzales and Sajonia formed a solid 1-2 scoring offensive punch for the Tamaraws and were schooling the UST defense during their isolation moments.

Xyrus Torres was guns blazing since the first quarter and sank five three-pointers during the win on his way to 17 points as well.

Meanwhile, Nic Cabañero continued his stellar outing for UST with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

“I’d like to thank the FEU community, up to the bleachers. From a 0-5 start nandoon pa rin ‘yung suporta nila,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela.