Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws admitted defeat to the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 59-91, following a defensive struggle in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup earlier today, June 2, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, assistant coach Carlo Arcangel explained how essential defense is for the team to succeed.

“We have to really go back [to] our bread and butter, which is the defense. That’s number one. Second is we need to have that mental toughness going into the game tomorrow and upcoming games… That’s how we win games, that’s how we come back [games] here sa (in) Filoil”, he said.

The Tamaraws trailed by three against the Bulldogs in the first quarter, 20-23, with an 11-point start courtesy of rookie Veejay Pre.

This provided them with well-needed momentum to try and establish a lead in the second quarter.

Despite their offensive efforts, the green-and-gold ball team immediately lost the chance to tie the score as NU aggressively answered back by activating more pressured defense and dominating the paint.

Foreign student-athlete Mo Konateh attempted to keep the Morayta team together by taking advantage of their granted free throws, providing a total of six points to their 11-point tally in the second quarter, ending at 31-45.

Coach Arcangel then spoke on Konateh’s consistency during games.

“Mo has been consistent. He just has to be aggressive, offense and defense. ‘Yun naman ang hinihingi sa kaniya (That is what is asked of him),” he mentioned. 

As both teams played through the second half, the Morayta-based squad’s chances at minimizing the score gap only became slimmer.  

The Tamaraws ultimately fell to the Bulldogs on a 32-point deficit, putting them at a 3-2 win-loss record. 

Konateh and Pre concluded the match as the leading scorers, with 16 and 15 points, respectively. 

FEU will attempt to seek victory against De La Salle University tomorrow, June 3, at the same venue.

- Kyle Beltran

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)