By Joshua Kyle Beltran

After three consecutive losses, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws finally obtained their first win, 64-58, contra the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tourney earlier today, October 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The green-and-gold cagers took early advantage of Adamson’s back-to-back turnovers, led by Jorick Bautista and Kirby Mongcopa’s fast break plays, 6-5. 

Janrey Pasaol then made quick work of AdU, breezing through the Falcons’ defense and finishing with a no-look pass to Mo Konateh in the paint, 16-13.

However, it was not long until FEU lost grip of the lead, trailing by one point to end the first quarter at 16-17.

Two minutes into the second canto, Mongcopa shot from beyond the arc to equalize with AdU, 19-19, followed by Jedric Daa’s own trey, 22-22.

Shifting to a more defensive approach, the Tamaraws capitalized on free throws, 29-28, followed by Neil Owens’ jumper to seal the second half at 31-31.

By the third frame, Pasaol initiated a 4-0 run built on a free throw and a triple, 41-34, but Adamson answered with double treys which prompted a timeout for the Morayta-based squad. 

Konateh took control of the paint for the remaining minutes of the third canto, 50-43, topped by a swift underhand lay by Pasaol, 52-45.

After an exchange of buckets entering the final frame, Owens drained a three to maintain the green-and-gold cagers’ lead, 61-53. However, AdU remained gritty with their offense, catching up with a five-point run, 61-58.

With less than two minutes left on the clock, Pasaol shot from deep in true Tamaraw fashion to secure the win, 64-58.

In the post-game conference, head coach Sean Chambers emphasized how their loss to De La Salle University (DLSU) became their primary motivation for the win.

“After the disappointing loss to DLSU, we actually worked even harder… You go harder or you give up. I’m so proud of them,” he shared.

Pasaol then expressed how Chambers' trust in him fueled his scoring tactics for the past games. 

“Sa kaniya ko lang naranasan sa whole career ko [na] ganung kumpiyansa binibigay sa'kin. Sa practice pa lang, tinutumbusan ko na talaga ‘yung tiwala niya. Ang resulta ngayong game, ayun, na-shoot ko ‘yung three points (It is only with coach Sean where I felt the confidence he gives in my whole career. It is during practice where I pay his trust back. As a result, I shot the three),” he said.

Mongcopa and Pasaol led the scoring department with 15 and 13 markers, respectively. Meanwhile, Konateh bolstered a 18-21 double-double.

Now with one win under their belt, the Chambers-led squad seeks to build on their 1-3 win-loss record as they will face defending champions University of the Philippines next Sunday, October 12, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.  

(Photo by Thea Danielle Morin/FEU Advocate)