Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw big man Mohmed Konateh dominated down low despite a close loss against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 60-62, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men's basketball tournament today, September 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

The Tam foreign student-athlete displayed his dominance in the paint, putting up 17 points and 16 rebounds against the Bulldogs.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, the starting center emphasized their improvement despite making crucial mistakes at the end of the game.

“Today we played better, we ha[d] a chance to win the game, man. But we made some mistakes, but it’s okay,” Konateh said.

The first quarter started strong for the Tamaraws as they made quick work at the post with back-to-back buckets from Konateh and super rookie Veejay Pre.

Their defense remained solid, helping them balloon the lead to 11 points by the end of the canto, 24-13.

Despite the dominant first quarter from the green-and-gold squad, they struggled against the tight-knit defense of the blue-and-gold squad, only putting up nine points in the second frame, 33-31.

The following half began with quick points coming from homegrown rookies Pre and Janrey Pasaol to give them a cushion.

The foreign center continued to dominate at the post to help the Tamaraws gain another 11-point lead by the end of the third frame, 55-44.

In the final moments of the game, a back-and-forth affair took place after Pre sunk in a free throw to help them regain the lead, 60-59.

However, struggles plagued the Morayta squad in the last quarter as they were outscored 5-18.

The score was 60-62 after a go-ahead basket from the Jhocson-based cagers.

In hopes of taking the win, the Chambers-led squad went for the risky trey at the end of the quarter which led to guard Pasaol getting fouled with 4.6 remaining in the game.

With the game on the line, the FEU cager failed to execute the crucial free throws, 60-62.

Floor general Pasaol stated his disappointment after missing the last three free throws to win the game.

“Siyempre masakit sa’min kasi opportunity na manalo na kami nu’n, eh, ‘tsaka first UAAP win ko sana [sa college]. Masakit pero wala, mahaba pa naman [‘yung] season, eh, so babalik na lang kami sa gym ulit magpa-practice against [University of the East] (Of course, we were distraught since it was our chance to win the game and it was also gonna be my first UAAP win in college. The season is long, we’re just gonna head back into the gym and prepare for UE),” he shared.

Meanwhile, Tamaraws’ head coach Sean Chambers highlighted the importance of bench players being able to support the team in the long run.

“We just [need] to get more guys to play right now. We’re relying on about an eight-man, nine-man rotation. We [need] more guys to be able to come off the bench and help support [the team],” the lead tactician stated.

Despite the tough loss, the rookie-laden squad put up impressive stat lines with Pre putting up 15 points and nine rebounds, while Pasaol chipped in with seven points and 11 boards.

FEU will continue to seek a win against UE on Wednesday, September 18, at the same venue.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong
(Photo by Gwyneth Mendoza/FEU Advocate)