By Aine Peralta

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws maintained their footing in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s 3x3 basketball campaign with a mixed bag of results, absorbing a 13-21 defeat against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers before rallying back with a 16-13 win over National University (NU) Bulldogs today, April 30, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

The green-and-gold cagers initially struggled to find their footing, failing to contain the Green Archers’ perimeter fire in their first outing of the day. 

While Kirby Mongcopa and Adam Nakai kept the Tamaraws within striking distance at 8-10, the Taft-based squad eventually pulled away to reach the 21-point target, leaving FEU behind in a 13-21 finish. 

In the effort, Nakai and Mongcopa tallied six and four points, respectively, while Rojan Montemayor chipped in two points and five rebounds.

Refusing to end the day winless, the Tamaraws relied on their veteran composure in their second game, engaging in a gritty grind-out battle against the Bulldogs. 

With the game tied at 13-all in the final minutes, Mongcopa took charge, accounting for the bulk of a decisive 3-0 closing blast that sealed the 16-13 victory. 

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Nakai emphasized that the team’s quick recovery was essential given the tournament's fast-paced format.

“I think it’s easy. It’s easier to move on because we get multiple games a day, so we just gotta move on and get to the next,” the Tamaraw shooting guard said.

The victory showcased a more cohesive defensive effort from the green-and-gold squad, a strategy Nakai noted was central to their game plan of maintaining their energy across multiple rounds. 

“Just making sure we use ourselves wisely, everyone gets in quickly. We cover, cover their energy,” he added.

Leading the second game surge, Mongcopa anchored the team, posting eight points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Montemayor and Nakai added five and three markers, respectively.

Now with a 2-3 win-loss record, the Morayta-based squad looks to build on their momentum as they face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on May 1 at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)