By Leiniel A. Santos

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws prevailed against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 21-9, as they end the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 3x3 men’s basketball tournament earlier today, May 5, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

The Tamaraws were able to score two consecutive points to start the match, but Ateneo’s successful beyond the arc shot tied the score.

Despite three deadlocks all throughout the game, the green-and-gold squad raised their intensity to assume control.

Tamaraw Aeron Bagunu’s shot from downtown and a lay-up ended the match, 21-9, with 1:14 remaining time on the clock. 

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Bagunu shared that the team’s trust in each other helped them to win their last game.

“Lagi naman sinasabi ng mga coaches namin na kailangan pa rin namin tapusin ‘yung game na panalo. Sa mga teammates ko, nagtiwala lang kami sa isa't isa and ayun, nakuha namin ‘yung panalo (Our coaches always say that we still have to finish the game to win. With my teammates, we just trusted each other and that's it, we got the win),” he said. 

He also mentioned that there are times that the team loses hope of winning games. 

“Nagkulang kami siguro sa mga defensive plays namin. ‘Yung mga ibang teammate ko and ako den aaminin ko na nawawalan kami ng pag-asa minsan manalo (We may have been lacking in our defensive plays. My other teammates and I will admit that we sometimes lose hope of winning),” he added.

The Tamaraws improve their standing with 3-4 win-loss record to end the season.

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)