By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Bryan Sajonia poured in a career-high of 23 points to lead the team in securing their first win of the season against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 75-60, 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 19.

Sajonia missed out on the games against the University of the East Red Warriors and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons but made his presence felt as FEU’s gunner in the match against UST.

During the post-game interview, Sajonia shared that they were happy with the win and that they just have to be confident and trust each other in their games. 

“Masaya kami kasi nakuha namin ‘yung first win namin… Ang sinabi lang naman nina coach sa’min is maging confident kami sa lahat ng tira namin, magtiwala lang sa isa’t isa (We are happy we got our first win… What our coaches told us is to be confident with our shots, just trust each other),” Sajonia said.

FEU Team Captain LJay Gonzales added 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Xyrus Torres produced 17 markers with five shots from beyond the arc.

The green-and-gold squad managed to build early momentum in the first quarter of the game upon delivering on both ends of the court, 19-17.

Entering the second half, the Morayta cagers continued to pull away to notch its first win of the season.

Morayta-based Head Coach Olsen Racela acknowledged the whole FEU crowd and mentioned that he simply reminded the team to be positive and work hard against the Growling Tigers.

“After the game ko lang nakita na grabe ‘yung crowd, grabe ‘yung suporta nila (It was only after the game when I saw how huge the crowd was, their support was huge)... I told them [the team] to stay positive and eventually, we work hard and ‘yun na (that’s it), we got our first win tonight,” Racela stated.

The Tamaraws now sport a 1-5 win-loss record and will try to capture another win against the National University Bulldogs on Sunday, October 23 at the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo City.

(Photo by Alyssa Andrea Quiogue/FEU Advocate)