By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) head coach Denok Miranda took their lackluster start as a factor in their loss against National University (NU) Bulldogs, 65-71, in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men’s basketball tourney earlier today, October 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“Sa mga ganyang klaseng team na malalakas na team, hindi kami pwedeng maging flat ‘yung start kasi two games na kami na humahabol eh (With those kinds of strong teams, we should not have a flat start because it has already been two games that we are trying to come from behind),” he stated during the post-game interview.

The Tamaraws started a low-scoring ball game against the Bulldogs after tallying seven turnovers in eight minutes and three team fouls to end the first quarter in single-digit, 8-14.

Fouls hurt FEU early in the second frame as they were put on penalty with 8:15 minutes left on the clock.

There was an opportunity to shift momentum for the green-and-gold when NU fouled on FEU’s Cholo Anonuevo at 5:31 remaining before halftime.

Entering the third quarter, the Tamaraws took possession after possession to conduct a 17-6 run and cut the lead down to two, 47-49. 

In the post-game conference, Coach Denok added the importance of having communication on games where they have to make runs.

“‘Yun [communication] naman talaga ‘yung more important eh. Syempre, may mga lapses so kailangan mo talaga na mag-communicate para madaling maka-recover (Communication is really more important. Of course, there are lapses so you really need to communicate so that it is easier to recover),” he said.

FEU’s good offensive execution continued until the final frame. But pressure got ahead and they encountered their second loss of the season, 65-71.

Three Tamaraws scored double digits with Anonuevo leading the pack with 16 points and eight rebounds. Senior guard LJay Gonzales had 15 markers and four assists, while Xyrus Torres ended the game with 14 points.

The Morayta-based squad stayed winless with a 0-2 win-loss card and will next face the University of the East Red Warriors on Saturday, October 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)