By Joshua Kyle Beltran
Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws failed to oust the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 83-84, officially ending their Asiabasket National Student Athletes Championship (NSAC) 2026 College Basketball Campus Tour stint in the quarterfinals earlier today, May 23, at the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center in Manila City.
Built on a strong, defensive start, FEU was able to build an early seven-point cushion, 14-7, following a Kirby Mongcopa lay.
The tides quickly turned at the 17-9 mark, however, as the Tamaraws struggled to convert their treys, resulting in an 11-0 run from La Salle, 17-20.
Fortunately, Adam Nakai fired from beyond the arc to end the first canto on a deadlock, 20-20.
Off a quick drive to the glass by Janrey Pasaol, 22-25, Cabs Cabonilas drew tactical fouls to keep the green-and-gold squad afloat through free throws, 25-25.
In an attempt to take the lead, Nakai buried another triple, 37-39, followed by a Rojan Montemayor jumper, 39-39.
Unfortunately, FEU still trailed behind DLSU in the second frame after failing to contain Guillen Quines and Jacob Cortez’s treys, 39-44.
Struggling to clinch second-chance baskets during the third canto, Sam Hall and Jedric Daa took matters into their own hands with a triple and three-point play, respectively, 52-52.
Mongcopa attempted to erase the deficit with an and-1 play of his own, 59-61, but the Tamaraws still trailed by three, 61-64.
Green Archer Mason Amos fired a three into the last quarter, but Rojan Montemayor and Mongcopa answered with triples apiece, 70-67.
Despite leading until the last two minutes of the match, 82-79, it was not long until the green-and-gold squad panicked over a late DLSU three from JC Macalalag, 82-82.
With nine seconds left, the match remained a one-possession game, 83-84, but Daa’s potential game-winner fell short, handing La Salle the last semis spot.
In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers emphasized how the offseason serves as an opportunity for them to prepare ahead of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines basketball tourney.
“It’s summer league, it’s tune-up games. You try to work on creating good habits and doing things the right way. But you also have to put into perspective: this is May, and our first game is not until September 15. We have a lot of work ahead of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, he stressed that he refuses to ‘settle’ while still commending the team for their efforts.
“I don’t wanna ever settle on ‘it was a good game, you showed well’… At the end of the day, we’ll take it as a good workout, good job, and get better from it,” Chambers shared.
Mongcopa led the green-and-gold cagers’ offense with 18 points and nine rebounds, reinforced by Mo Konateh’s 11 boards. Meanwhile, Montemayor chipped in a hefty 12 markers, followed by Daa and Pasaol with 10 apiece.
With DLSU completing the NSAC semifinalists, FEU now turns its attention to their remaining Filoil EcoOil Preseason games.
(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)