By Fibby Ann Mercado

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws suffered a tough loss against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 75-89, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament earlier today, October 26, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion, Manila.

At the start of the opening quarter, the Tamaraws were quick to capitalize on their offense. With Mo Konateh’s layup, 2-0, followed by Jorick Bautista’s steal that led to a Kirby Mongcopa finish, the Tamaraws briefly held control, 6–5.

However, the Fighting Maroons responded with consecutive free throws and a tight defensive stand, allowing them to pull ahead and build an 11-point lead, 12-23, by the end of the first frame.

To open the second frame, Bautista drilled a triple to trim the deficit to 15-23. Despite the Morayta-based squad’s efforts, UP’s consistent defense and efficient transition plays kept FEU from maintaining the momentum.

Still, the green-and-gold team showed resilience behind Konateh’s inside presence and Bautista’s perimeter shooting, cutting the gap to 13 right before halftime, 31-44.

In the third quarter, Mongcopa ignited FEU’s offense through a series of quick conversions that cut UP’s lead to 38-44. 

Despite the Morayta-based team’s grit, the Diliman-based cagers answered with a strong defense to stay ahead, 41-53.

In the fourth quarter, Bautista and Konateh kept the green-and-gold squad within striking distance, combining for crucial buckets and free throws that trimmed the deficit to 53-65. 

The duo of Bautista and Konateh continued to lead FEU’s offense, with Konateh scoring steadily in the paint and Bautista converting from behind the arc and the free throw line to bring the score to 75-83. 

Despite the Tamaraws’ late push, the UP Fighting Maroons closed the game, 75-89.

In the post-game conference, green-and-gold head coach Sean Chambers recognized the need to be cautious due to the shift in physicality in the second round.

“When it gets to the second round, the intensity stepped up… If we lose Doy [Jorick Bautista], if we lose Mo [Konateh], it hurts us. So, we have to be careful with our physicality,” he said.

Despite breaking their two-game win streak, Chambers remained optimistic for the team moving forward.

“But what I do like about my guys, and I'll keep saying this as we're still young and learning, is that we never give up... We just keep trying to find a way to hang around,” the lead tactician shared.

Leading the scoreboard was Konateh, posting a 24-11 double-double, reinforced by Bautista’s 22 markers. Meanwhile, Mongcopa added 14 points to the tally.

The Morayta-based team, with a 3-6 win-lose standing, is set to face Adamson University on Wednesday, October 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)