By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera
Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws suffered their first setback of the season against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 75-83, as they return after more than a two-week break in the Playtime Cares 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup earlier today, June 6, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Trailing by four points early in the opening quarter, Kirby Mongcopa and Luke Felipe delivered in the paint to spark a rally and give FEU a slim 9-8 advantage.
Just as Mongcopa tied the game, Jedric Daa was assessed his fourth foul for an unsportsmanlike behavior, allowing the Growling Tigers to convert a technical free throw and take the lead, 18-21.
The green-and-gold squad quickly responded in the second quarter as Jorick Bautista and Mongcopa drained a triple each to put FEU back on top, 36-33.
Despite regaining the lead, the Morayta-based squad absorbed a four-point play from España-based cager Kirk Cañete and timely baskets from Amiel Acido, keeping the Tamaraws behind with a three-point deficit, 41-44.
FEU came out firing in the third quarter, with Cabs Cabonilas and Janrey Pasaol igniting an 8-2 run that restored a 49-46 lead for the Tamaraws.
However, the advantage was short-lived as UST answered behind Gelo Crisostomo's relentless attacks in the paint, unleashing a 0-6 burst that expanded the gap, 56-64.
Heading into the final frame, the Morayta-based squad fired a 7-0 blitz before the España-based squad answered with a six of their own, 63-70.
The green-and-gold squad looked to fight back but eventually fell behind UST’s tough defense, forcing a turnover until the final buzzer, 75-83.
In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraw head coach Sean Chambers shared how lack of manpower affected their game.
“We’re missing about four guys that will be on the roster that couldn't play today. So, it kind of limited our roster. And then Jedric got four fouls in the first quarter. Then Mo got three fouls by halftime. So, it really kind of depleted our roster,” he said.
On the other hand, the head coach expressed how Cabonilas showed up despite being new to the team.
“He shows what I'm saying. He has a lot of star power. He's able to make the big plays. Still, he doesn't know our system, barely knows what we're doing, and he's making incredible basketball plays. Sky’s the limit for that kid,” Chambers shared.
Despite the loss, Pasaol, Mongcopa, and Mo Konateh put up double-double figures with Pasaol tallying 15 points and 10 assists, while Mongcopa and Konateh contributed 18 and 12 markers, respectively, with 11 boards each.
Meanwhile, Cabonilas added 17 points and six rebounds.
Now sitting at a 1-1 win-loss record, FEU will look to improve their standing against National University next Thursday, June 11, at the same venue.
(Photo by Gabriel Matencio/FEU Advocate)