By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws lost their odds for a playoff berth under the domination of the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 77-91, in the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup earlier today, July 6, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Sean Chambers-led team started off on a strong note with Mo Konateh scoring the first three points of the first quarter with a free throw and layup, 3-3.

NU maintained a close distance with the FEU squad, but the Tamaraws fortunately edged the former by two to close out the first frame, 23-21.

In the second quarter, the Morayta-based cagers struggled offensively until the last two minutes with Janrey Pasaol’s two-point jumpshot before a missed triple by Luke Felipe in the last 25 seconds, closing the first half at 34-48.

The latter half of the match favored the Jhocson-based squad's side as the green-and-gold squad trailed by a hefty 21 points, 39-60.

The double-digit gap remained until the last few minutes of the game despite Jorick Bautista’s triple, Felipe’s five-point outburst, and two free throws by Liam Salansang, ending the game with a 14-point deficit, 77-91.

Team captain Bautista showed a stellar 23-marker performance, while Mo Konateh tallied a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double. Meanwhile, Janrey Pasaol added a respectable 13 points.

During a postgame interview, FEU head coach Chambers commended the team as he sought redemption moving forward.

“These are the guys in the gym, these are the guys we have to get prepared for the season. Then again, I thought we played great the first three games, we had a great game against University of the Philippines… No excuse, we gotta be better than that; we have to dig deeper, we have to man up,” he said.

After a bronze finish in the 2024 season, the green-and-gold squad will sit out the chance for another medal as they await the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 basketball tourney in September.

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)