Avenging a 17-point loss to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws bounced back and evaded the sharp arrows of De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 66-55, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 82 men’s basketball tournament, September 18 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

With a slow start in the opening quarter, FEU quickly answered back with their hustle in the second frame. The Tamaraws went back to basics on both ends of the floor that helped them pump their lead up to 15 points, 32-17, courtesy of Barkley Eboña.

However, after halftime, DLSU became more aggressive in the offensive end as they cut FEU’s lead to five, 44-39. On the other end, the offense of the Morayta-based squad could not convert, but still they were on top at the end of the third frame, 49-43.

Despite the Archers’ high offensive during third canto, FEU responded with their own style of defense. FEU head coach Olsen Racela told that making stops was their top priority over La Salle’s run.

“Like I always tell my players, ‘when another team makes a run, make stops’, ayaw naming tapusin or putulin ‘yung run nila by scoring (we didn’t want to end or cut their run by scoring). Ang priority namin (Our priority) is to make stops,” Racela said.

He then added, “And I think we did a good job today of defending, making it hard for their main guys to score.”

In the last canto, Cameroonian center Patrick Tchuente kept the Taft-based cagers at bay, 56-45, ballooning FEU’s lead to double-digits. With less than three minutes to play, Wendell Comboy shot a three-point dagger to seal the momentum at 62-53.

Moreover, Coach Racela commented and considered that this season is an equal one because all of the teams are capable of winning any match.

“I’m just proud of the way we played today, coming off a loss to Ateneo. It just shows the competition this season, balanced lahat ng teams (all teams are balanced) [and] are capable of winning at any game,” he said.

Tchuente led the charge for the Tams with his season-best double-double performance of 19 points, 11 boards and rejecting three shots with an efficient 9/11 in the field. Comboy, who made clutch shots, backed him up with 11 points on an inefficient 4/12 shooting.

The green-and-gold cagers will prepare for their next match against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, who sport a 3-2 win-loss slate, on Sunday, September 22 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

-Joaquin Luis E. Quesada
(See full album: UAAP 82 Men's Basketball - FEU vs DLSU)