MANILA, Philippines — On the eve of their game against University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University rookie Veejay Pre watched Kevin Quiambao reset his career-high with 33 points to lead La Salle past rival Ateneo and wondered if he could also do the same.

“Kagabi bago matulog pinanood ko highlights niya tapos sabi ko sa sarili ko kaya ko rin kaya yun?” said Pre of Quiambao’s performance.

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Twenty-four hours later, Pre set a career-high with 31 points in the Tamaraws’ 79-70 loss to the Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: UAAP: UST gets back on track with win over FEU

Veejay Pre on his career-high 31 points. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/vdvDX7sWAV

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 27, 2024

The 19-year-old big man became the first rookie to score 30-plus points since Jeron Teng’s 35 for La Salle in 2012. Ray Parks also did it in 2011 when he hit 32 for National University in Season 74.

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“Buong season nag-struggle talaga ako and yon kanina buti nakuha ko naman and hopefully, tuloy tuloy po,” said Pre, who shot 11-of-17 from the field and grabbed 14 rebounds.

Pre attributed his impressive rookie stint to his teammates and coach Sean Chambers.

“Sobrang laki ng tiwala nila sa akin kine-claim ko lang po yun and yung opportunity minsan lang dumating, ginagrab ko lang po. Yun yung laging sinasabi ng parents ko sakin,” the former Gilas youth player said.

Despite the loss that sent them to a 3-7 record, Pre remained proud of their gallant stand and his teammates Mo Konateh and Jorick Bautista, who played under the weather against UST.

READ: UAAP: FEU Tamaraws score first back-to-back wins of the season

“Masaya pa rin kahit yung mga kuya namin is may sakit sila Mo and kuya Jorick, at least lumaban kami and sabi sa amin ng mga coaches namin wag namin isipin yun and tuloy tuloy lang, laban lang hanggang dulo,” he said.

With four games remaining, expect Pre and the young Tamaraws to continue to give their all as they fight for a Final Four spot.

“Lumalaban kami kahit younger kami and yung process palaging sinasabi nila sir Mark  (Molina) yun and darating sa amin yung panalo,” Pre said.