by Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera
Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws' late-game jitters cost them the game against National University (NU) Bulldogs, 69-73, in the Playtime Cares 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup earlier today, June 11, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Morayta-based squad came out blazing in the opening frame, storming an early run behind Janrey Pasaol’s long pass to Mo Konateh, 10-4.
FEU appeared firmly in control after building a 10-point lead with less than three minutes remaining. However, the Tamaraws absorbed a late rally from the Bulldogs, conceding a 0-9 run that trimmed the green-and-gold squad's cushion down to two points, 21-19.
Entering the second quarter, both teams showcased their defensive prowess, holding each other to single-digit scoring with three minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the period.
Konateh and Jorick Bautista spearheaded the green-and-gold defense before Sam Hall drilled a trey that ended the first half, 41-32.
Into the third canto, FEU hit their timely three-point shots that led them to a commanding 15-point advantage, 52-37.
However, the Tamaraws were not able to answer the Bulldog’s 0-7 skid, cutting the lead down to eight, 59-51.
Entering the final period, the Morayta-based squad squandered their 15-point lead as they were not able to defend against the Jhocson-based cagers’ 2-9 blitz, 61-60.
The Tamaraws then missed crucial free throws that cost them the game, 69-73.
In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraw head analyst Sean Chambers shared the silver lining despite today’s loss.
“I thought we played really good basketball, but unfortunately we weren't able to have Kirby Mongcopa today… But I thought we did some really good basketball, some really good minutes for Marc [Burgos] today and Cabs [Cabonilas] getting in foul trouble, but it is a tough team. I think we'll grow from it, but I really felt like we did some really good stuff today that I was happy with,” he said.
Additionally, Chambers mentioned how the team is exploring their options as the Tamaraws have yet to field a full roster.
“So we haven't been full roster yet, so I'm hoping pretty soon we can get to a full roster so we can really see what we have and what we're doing,” he shared.
Konateh recorded a double-double performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Bautista and Pasaol scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
FEU now sits at a 1-2 win-loss record, and looks to bounce back against De La Salle University tomorrow, June 12, at the same venue.
(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)