by Aine Peralta

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws suffered their second defeat after falling to the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 68-84, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tourney earlier today, September 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws opened with an early spark as Jorick Bautista drained a triple and a layup for a 5-4 edge. 

Kirby Mongcopa also hit from deep to take the lead, 10-9, but the Morayta-based squad ended the frame trailing by five, 14-19, after struggling to contain the Bulldogs’ attacks.

The second quarter tested the green-and-gold cagers’ composure, with early turnovers and fouls keeping NU ahead. 

Pasaol kept the Tamaraws within striking distance through the free-throw line, sinking four shots, before Bautista drilled a timely three in an attempt to keep up, 26–37.

Despite their grit, the team still faced a 14-point deficit at halftime, 30-44.

The green-and-gold squad caught up with NU in the third quarter, with Mo Konateh scoring inside and Neil Owens hitting a three-pointer to rally the Tamaraws, 48-47.

Mongcopa’s free throws and back-to-back threes kept the game close, but the Bulldogs held a slim edge entering the final frame, 52-55.

In the fourth quarter, Bautista, Pasaol, and Owens tried to chip in points to keep the green-and-gold team in contention, but turnovers and missed shots piled up in the closing minutes. 

The Sean Chambers-led squad sought to fight back, but NU kept pulling away as PJ Palacielo and Paul Francisco scored inside, putting the game out of reach.

FEU fell, 68-84, marking their second setback of the first round.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Coach Sean commended the teams’ effort while stressing the need to stay aggressive.

“You have to be the aggressor, stay competitive, and play the game the right way. I felt like we had that conversation at halftime, and the boys responded well. We even took the lead for a stretch in the second half, which I thought was an impressive show of fight,” he said.

Despite their second loss, the lead tactician remained confident in their upcoming games.

“We just have to build from that. We’re still a young group, learning to get used to the moment, and the big lesson is not letting the last game carry over to the next one,” Coach Sean emphasized.

Mongcopa and Pasaol carried the scoring load with 16 points apiece, while Bautista delivered 15 markers and Owens notched nine points.

The Tamaraws will look to bounce back against De La Salle University on Wednesday, October 1, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)