By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws bid farewell to their Final Four contention for the first time in eight years after a huge upset against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, 70-75, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball tourney last November 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws remained scoreless after seven minutes of action in the first frame wherein the Bulldogs maximized to turn the game into an 23-point match, 4-27.

During the post-game conference, FEU Head Coach Olsen Racela emphasized on the lack of defensive execution that led to the huge trail of the Tamaraws.

“We get our offense from our defense. We gave them 27 points in the first quarter so ibig sabihin hindi kami dumedepensa. People see ‘yung four points namin, but ako, ‘yung nakikita ko is ‘yung 27 points nila (it means that we are not executing defense. People see our four points, but for me, I see their 27 points). If we make stops, that’s our opportunity to score,” he stated.

FEU took charge in the second quarter with the help of their 59% shooting from the field led by green-and-gold guard Jorick Bautista who shot three-of-four beyond the arc.

Both teams were neck-and-neck in the second half, but FEU fell short in the late minutes of the match to secure their ninth straight Final Four appearance.

The Tamaraws head coach also mentioned in the post-game interview that the season was full of ups and downs for the team.

“It’s really a season of inconsistencies para sa’min (for us). We’re still hoping that you know, we end on a good note on Saturday,” he said.

Bautista led the Morayta cagers after producing 14 points, three dimes and two steals.

Two other Tamaraws chipped in double digits with Cholo Anonuevo generating 13 points, nine boards and five assists, and Bryan Sajonia having 11 markers and six rebounds.

The Olsen Racela-led squad dropped a 4-9 win-loss record and will play their final game of the season against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Saturday, November 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by James Carl Pante/FEU Advocate)