By Joaquin Luis E. Quesada

After two years of no competitive basketball, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws bulldozed the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 76-51, to get their first win in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 84 men’s basketball tourney kickoff at the Mall of Asia Arena last March 26.

Tamaraw’s prized rookie RJ Abarrientos quickly showed his skills as soon as he stepped on the court, dropping 14 points in the first half and splashing 4 treys in the process. He finished with 18 points, five boards, and five dimes.

The Morayta dribblers didn’t look back after their 22-9 scoring run in the first chapter and their lead ballooned up to 30 points during the third frame of action.

Although the España-based squad attempted a comeback in the third canto, FEU kept their composure and kept the UST at bay for the duration of the game.

Despite capturing their first win, they still have a lot of things to work on their game to better prepare them in their next match against the defending champs Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles on March 29 at the same venue.

“Of course we’re happy, but, hindi kami kontento (we are not contented). We have more things to prepare kaya pagdating namin sa dorm trabaho ulit kaming coaches pati players (that’s why when we go back to the dorm, us, the coaches, and the players will work on our game again),” Head Coach Olsen Racela said.

Bryan Sajonia chipped in with 12 points and eight rebounds, while FEU’s new reinforcement Emman Ojoula posted eight points, grabbing six boards, and dishing out three assists.

LJay Gonzales did not play due to an ankle sprain he suffered two days ago during their practice. Coach Olsen shared that when they had a comfortable lead, they decided not to deploy him in order to rest for the next games. 

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP)