Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw foreign student-athlete Mohamed Konateh played with intensity despite falling to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers’ suffocating defense, 53-58, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men's basketball tournament earlier today, November 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Konateh put up monstrous numbers as he finished the game with 14 points and the UAAP season-high 27 boards.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, head coach Sean Chambers gave props to the level of commitment Konateh showed.

“He just continues to battle and get better and better every game. I’m so proud of him,” he shared.

The game started off strong for both teams, as they went on a back-and-forth affair up until the 4:30 mark of the first quarter, 8-8.

Off a timeout, the Tamaraws intensified their defense and went on an 11-4 run to end the frame, 19-10.

In the second quarter, the Morayta-based squad started off strong, ballooning their lead to 12 after a trey-ball from rookie Veejay Pre, 24-12.

However, the tides quickly changed as FEU lost their handle on the game because of DLSU’s pressure defense. The Tamaraws went scoreless for the last 2:59 of the game, 26-28.

The green-and-gold squad’s offensive struggle continued at the start of the third canto.

This resulted in a much needed break for the Morayta-based cagers. After the timeout, team captain Royce Alforque took over the game, scoring six straight points to cut the lead to five, 34-39.

The intensity on both ends of the floor from the Tamaraws extended in the last frame, as they quickly took the lead at the 7:43 mark after a made bucket from guard Janrey Pasaol, 43-42.

Despite the effort, the Archers’ defensive pressure was too much for the green-and-gold, as their first-half struggles came back to haunt them, 51-50.

FEU also could not handle Archer Mike Phillips’ dominance in the paint as he scored the last six out of eight markers to close the game for DLSU, 53-58. 

In spite of failing to close out the game, Coach Chambers commended the Tamaraws’ effort at the end of the match.

“I believe that we’re showing the level of character that we have, we’re showing that we’re going to fight all the way to the end. No more about being young, we have to get better at game situations and be disciplined,” he stated.

Rookie of the Year candidate Pre played solidly, finishing the game with 12 points and five rebounds. Additionally, his fellow rookie, Pasaol, put up double digits with 11 points.

FEU will look to get back on track against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, November 9, at the Smart Araneta Center Coliseum in Quezon City.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong
(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)