By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws absorbed 19-20 and 20-22 defeats on day 3 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s 3x3 basketball tournament earlier today, May 1, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

Facing De La Salle University (DLSU) to open the game day, green-and-gold cager Veejay Pre started strong by getting the first bucket and two straight blocks on Green Archer Earl Abadam in just the first minute.

Despite this, FEU only managed to separate with four minutes left in the match, launching a 5-1 run fueled by two-point shooting to get to a game-high lead of 16-12.

DLSU did not go down without a response as they went on a surge of their own with a varied offense to overtake and threaten match point, 19-20.

The Tamaraws tried to go back to their shooting to steal the victory, but nothing went down. Pasaol eventually missed an overtime-forcing lay-in in the final three seconds, resulting in the loss.

Pre and Pasaol led in scoring with eight and six markers, respectively.

FEU faced an even tighter match contra the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, marked by a full one-possession game throughout.

With the final deadlock at 20-20, both sides relied on their perimeter offense to try to close out. Unfortunately, UST’s Amiel Acido found the bottom of the net first with a two-pointer for another heartbreaking finish for the Tamaraws.

Pasaol stood out once again with 10 points, while Pre simmered down to a lackluster two markers. Jedric Daa stepped up to fill his void with five of his own.

The Morayta-based squad will look to have a victorious day against National University tomorrow, May 2, at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)