By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws’ defensive end continues to be a problem as they failed to capture their first win of the season against the full-blown game play of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 70-87, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s basketball tourney held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City today, October 15. 

The Tamaraws were off to a slow start after the Green Archers pulled off a strong defensive stance to limit the Morayta cagers’ turnover points to naught in the first half, 25-50.

The green-and-gold squad struggled to steal the momentum despite conducting short runs as they trailed by as much as 31 points in the second half courtesy of La Salle gunner Schonny Winston’s 23-point output in the match, 35-66.

In the post-game interview with FEU Advocate, FEU Team Captain LJay Gonzales emphasized on their lackluster defense which gave way to the offense of DLSU.

“Maraming pagkukulang eh, hindi namin nasunod ‘yung game plan namin noong first half kaya ganoon ang kinalabasan [ng laro]… Mas lalong [nagkulang] sa defense namin kasi parang watak-watak na kami, parang kanya-kanya na kami (There were a lot of lapses, we did not follow our game plan during the first half that’s why [the game] ended that way… We [missed out] more on our defense because we had broken plays, we played individually),” the veteran guard said.

Gonzales orchestrated the team after creating 16 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and five steals for the Morayta dribblers. 

Three other Tamaraws chipped in double digits with Bryan Sajonia, Patrick Sleat and Xyrus Torres generating 15 markers, 12 points and 10 markers respectively.

Sajonia also mentioned during the post-game interview that another thing that they are lacking is the winning mindset that the team needs considering that they are on a losing streak this season.

“Siguro kulang sa’min ‘yung [isip na] gustong manalo kasi sunod-sunod ‘yung talo namin eh, parang ‘yung nakikita samin ng mga coaches parang ayaw na naming lumaban, parang gi-give up na kami (I think what’s lacking with us is [the thinking] that we want to win because we had consecutive losses, the coaches look at it as if we do not want to fight anymore, like we have already given up),” Sajonia stated. 

FEU now sports a 0-5 win-loss card and remains at the last place of the team standings of the collegiate league tournament.

The Morayta-based team continues the hunt for its first win of the season as they will face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Wednesday, October 19 at the same venue. 

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)