By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) veteran guard Royce Alforque shared that it was a disappointing start for the team as the Tamaraws gave up another win against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 66-76, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball tournament held at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City earlier today, October 5.

“Obviously, [the result of the game was] very disappointing talaga para samin and ‘yun nga talo talaga kami. This is gonna be a wake-up call para samin kasi dapat ‘di na kami matalo pa para makabawi kami (Obviously, [the result of the game was] very disappointing for us, and that is we really lost. This is gonna be a wake-up call for us because we should not lose in our next games to get better standing),” Alforque said in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

The Tamaraws and the Red Warriors had a back-and-forth affair early in the match with both teams showing good offensive and defensive stances. 

During the third canto, the Morayta cagers had poor offensive execution as they were limited to just eight points in the quarter. 

Trailing by as much as 19 points upon entering the fourth quarter, the late run of the green-and-gold squad was not enough to draw their first win of the season, 66-76.

During an online interview with FEU Advocate, FEU Team Captain LJay Gonzales mentioned that the team needs to work harder throughout the whole game.

“Kailangan pa namin magtrabaho kasi nakita namin ‘yung kulang namin sa team like sa defense namin, kailangan pa namin higpitan hanggang sa dulo, hanggang sa matapos ‘yung laro (We need to work harder because we saw our lapses in the team like our defense, we need to strengthen it until the end, until the game ends),” Gonzales stated.

FEU sophomore guard Patrick Sleat led the Tams with 15 points, while Cholo Anonuevo and Alforque chipped in with 10 markers and six points respectively.

Tamaraw gunner Bryan Sajonia did not suit up for the team in the game against the Recto-based squad.

The Morayta-based squad now sports a 0-2 record and will try to redeem themselves to notch a win against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Saturday, October 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

(Photo by Alyssa Andrea Quiogue/FEU Advocate)