By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws stumbled late in the fourth quarter, resulting in a loss against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 66-69, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament earlier today, October 12, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion.

FEU started aggressively on offense, mounting an early five-point lead over the Fighting Maroons courtesy of Jorick Bautista's six points, 7-2.

However, the Tamaraws lost handle on the lead after UP's fast-paced offense led to a Reyland Torres and-one play, 14-16.

Not less than a minute into the second quarter, the Morayta-based squad heightened their offense, catapulting an early five-point spurt, 19-16.

Unfortunately, the Diliman-based squad was able to regain the momentum after two consecutive buckets from Harold Alarcon, 24-28.

Janrey Pasaol went on a personal seven-point run, but UP was able to cap off the first half with a slim two-point lead, 36-38.

Entering the third frame, the Tamaraws failed to counter Fighting Maroons Gani Stevens and Torres' inside buckets, 43-49.

Fortunately, FEU stayed within range after Neil Owens’ free throws to end the third canto, 52-55.

Both teams went on a seesaw battle early in the last frame with Kirby Mongcopa's step-back three to stay close to UP, 57-60.

In need of a triple to tie the match, the Tamaraws stumbled in the last 14 seconds after two missed three-pointers from Bautista, 66-69. 

In the post-game conference, green-and-gold head coach Sean Chambers emphasized the team’s need to finish close games.

"We need to get over the hill to finalize and finish this game off... We're playing great basketball, we just got to finish off the game,” the lead tactician said.

After a grueling end, Bautista mentioned how he and the team will not dwell on the loss moving forward. 

"Ayun nga, 'di kami magpapaapekto sa mga nangyari sa game na 'to. Para sa next game namin, balik sa court, trabaho ulit at saka kung ano man 'yung mali namin, pag-aaralan doon namin sa court (We are not letting this game affect our outlook on the next one. We're just going to work again, and whatever mistakes we make, we're just going to study it on the court),” the guard said.

In spite of the loss, Bautista led the match with 18 points. Meanwhile, Mo Konateh pitched in a double-double of 16 markers and 10 rebounds.

Now with a dismal 1-4 record, FEU will hunt for their second win against UST on Wednesday, October 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)