By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws’ sophomore guard Jorick Bautista led the team in the scoreboard despite the defeat against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 59-73, in the second round eliminations of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball tourney earlier today, November 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Coming off the bench, Bautista produced 12 points with a perfect shooting in the two-point range. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, the top scorer of the green-and-gold squad acknowledged the feat as a bonus in the game.

“Hindi ko naman naisip kung makaka-score ako o hindi. Ang iniisip ko kung paano ako makakaambag sa team. ‘Yung maging top scorer, bonus na lang ‘yon (I didn't think about whether I would score or not. I think about how I can contribute to the team. Being the top scorer is just a bonus),” he stated.

Morayta-based cager Cholo Anonuevo also chipped in double digits with 10 points, four rebounds and three steals.

Meanwhile, Team Captain LJay Gonzales and reinforcement Patrick Tchuente both had nine points each with 14 boards and three blocks combined.

FEU’s offense and defense were dominated by the defending champions early in the match as UP’s James Spencer led with 15 points after two frames, 32-43.

The Tamaraws were limited to a 28.6% success rate from the field in the whole duration of the game. 

With the back-to-back losses, Bautista mentioned that they have to further improve their defense as they play three more games in the eliminations.

“Magfocus kami sa mga mistakes namin dito sa UP and magdodoble effort pa kami at tsaka, [more] defense pa (We have to focus on our mistakes here in the game against UP and we will double our effort and show more defense),” he said.

FEU dropped to a 4-7 win-loss record and will try to mount a comeback against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles on Sunday, November 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Jazmine Ruth Pineda/FEU Advocate)