Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws failed to keep early momentum as they succumbed on a late surge by the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 65-71, in their second round matchup of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men's basketball tourney at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City earlier today, November 20.

The Tamaraws had the upper hand during the first half after leading by as much as 19 points, limiting the Blue Eagles on a 24.2% shooting, 39-20.

FEU was left stunned with Ateneo’s run upon entering the second half as they closed off the six-point match with a sorry loss, 65-71.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, top scorer Xyrus Torres admitted that their offense stumbled during the last canto of the game.

“Mayroon din kasing mga times na ‘di namin name-make yung mga shots namin, eh. ‘Yun siguro, ‘yung offense namin nawala at the end pero ibibigay pa rin namin best namin until the end (There were times when our shots didn’t make it. But I guess that’s what we lost, our offense was down at the end but we will still give our best until the end),” he said.

Torres was one of the three green-and-gold cagers who pitched in double digit markers with 19 points, while Team Captain LJay Gonzales and Patrick Sleat contributed 15 points and 10 markers, respectively.

FEU also suffered with AdMU's Ange Kouame bringing in 20 points and 14 boards to lower the chances of a Final Four contention for the green-and-gold squad. 

The Morayta-based cagers took a 4-8 win-loss record and will face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, November 23 at the same venue.

- Angel Joyce C. Basa

(Photo by Alyssa Andrea Quiogue/FEU Advocate)