Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws failed to secure a five-game winning streak with Team Captain LJay Gonzales' absence against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 60-71, in the second-round eliminations of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City earlier today, November 5.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Gonzales expressed his dismay with his failure to attend today’s game.

“Sobrang laking factor na andoon ako kasi ako ‘yung pinaka-beterano sa kanila (Being there is a big factor because I am the most experienced out of all of them),” he said.

The captainless team had the first three quarters in their favor, leading by as much as 19 points but slowly decreased momentum upon entering the fourth canto, 52-48.

FEU gunner Bryan Sajonia dominated the scoreboard by contributing 27 points while Xyrus Torres and Patrick Sleat chipped in 10 points and 9 markers, respectively. 

Sajonia revealed that they lacked in their defensive strategy during the last leg of the game.

“Siguro doon kami bumigay sa depensa namin kasi hindi na kami makashoot. So kailangan pa namin maging madiin pa kami sa mga last quarter [ng susunod na mga games] (I think our defense broke down because we were unable to shoot. So we need to be more aggressive in the last quarter [for the next games])," Sajonia stated.

The Morayta-based squad now sports a 4-6 win-loss record and will try to redeem a victory against the defending champions University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons after the Gilas Qualifying Window break on November 17 at the same venue.

- Angel Joyce C. Basa

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)