By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera
After absorbing three losses in a row last month, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws outlasted the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 85-76, in the Playtime Cares 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup earlier today, July 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Trailing by six in the early minutes of the opening quarter, the Morayta-based cagers surged back behind the efforts of Jorick Bautista, Janrey Pasaol, and Mo Konateh to seize a 15-12 advantage.
It was a seesaw trade of points in the final minutes before Kirby Mongcopa converted on the final possession with 7.9 seconds remaining, giving FEU a slim lead entering the second period, 24-22.
The Tamaraws continued to trade baskets with the Fighting Maroons in the second frame, reaching a 33-all deadlock.
Despite holding their ground, FEU surrendered a late scoring run that put them behind by three, 41-44.
The Morayta-based squad sizzled early in the third quarter, banking on their fast-paced plays that resulted in a 12-0 run, 53-44.
Late in the period, the green-and-gold squad failed to fend off the maroon-and-white’s offense, 0-8 skid. Fortunately, FEU quickly answered to maintain their seven-point advantage, 67-60.
Into the fourth quarter, Mongcopa engaged in a scoring duel with UP's Sean Alter as the two traded baskets, with the Tamaraw maintaining control, 72-64.
FEU’s timely shots pushed them to lead by 15 points with five minutes remaining in the game, 81-66.
With two minutes remaining, the Tamaraws showcased their gritty defense, intercepting the Fighting Maroons’ play until the final buzzer, 85-76.
In a post-game conference, assistant coach Mark Isip emphasized how execution matters when it comes to the actual game.
“It doesn't matter what you do in practice, if come competition time, you won't be able to execute it. So hopefully this is the start of something really really fun, great, but really really hard also,” he said.
On the other hand, Mongcopa commended the team’s aggressiveness on and off the court.
“Grabe ‘yung energy namin kanina, so sobrang parang nag-enjoy lang kami sa game. Pati ‘yung nasa bench, ‘yung aggressiveness nila, ‘yun ang maganda sa team, ‘yung aggressive sila pati sa bench (Our energy was incredible earlier. We were really just enjoying the game. Even the players on the bench brought so much aggressiveness and intensity. That is what's great about this team, everyone stays aggressive, even those on the bench),” he shared.
Konateh tallied a double-double performance with 24 markers and 13 boards, backed by Mongcopa’s 21 points and 7 rebounds.
FEU now sits with a 2-3 win-loss card and looks to end their campaign on a high note against Adamson University tomorrow, July 8, at the same venue.
(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)