The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws absorb their third straight loss as they were outmuscled by the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 68-73, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 84 men’s basketball tournament last April 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“We’re [frustrated]. Sobrang down [‘yung] nangyari sa’min,” FEU’s rookie RJ Abarrientos said in the loss. 

Abarrientos had a stellar performance with a career-high 33 points in an efficient shooting 52% from the field. Royce Alforque chipped in with 13 points and three boards.

NU’s Michael Malonzo soared high for the putback to convert the dagger three-point play with 38 seconds remaining, 66-71.

The Tamaraws had multiple chances from beyond the arc, but their shots were not falling down the net. LJay Gonzales scored off a rebound under the basket to cut the lead to three, 68-71.

The Racela-led team was neutralized in the fourth as they only scored 10 points, their lowest in the season so far. FEU was held to just one made basket in the last five minutes of the game.

Outside of Abarrientos and Alforque, there were no other Tamaraws who scored double digits. FEU only converted 11 bench points, in contrast to NU’s 40 bench points.

“Obviously, we need production from the other guys. Hindi pwedeng isa o dalawa lang ‘di ba (It can’t be just one or two, right)? Kailangan collective contribution (Collective contribution is needed),” FEU Head Coach Olsen Racela said.

With this loss, FEU now dropped to a 1-3 win-loss slate and will look to bounce back against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors on April 5 at the same venue.

-Adrian Earl E. Taruc

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)