FEU STARTS GAINING CONFIDENCE AFTER WINNING OVER UST
By Maxine Louise Lagman
1 October 2016
THE FAR Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) supporters faced each other once again, after last season’s face-off in the championship round. But, just like last time, the Tamaraws prevailed over the Tigers, with ‘One for UST’ cheering slowly faded in the background.
With FEU’s 17-point lead opening the fourth period, UST was unable to turn the game around and lost the match, 79-72 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws came out strong starting the first, scoring 13-0 in three minutes. A turnover allowed Prince Orizu to an open dunk, and left the Tigers breathless after him.
UST was able to strengthen their defenses in the second half and King Tiger Louie Vigil rained in three’s for the team, but FEU was still high-powered and finished off the game with a seven-point lead.
“I think that UST played us tough on the defense and they really made it hard for us to score. Coming from an 81-points output against UP, our challenge was to score more than 51 today, and it was really hard for us,” FEU Coach Nash Racela pointed out.
Allen Trinidad led the Tamaraws with his 15 points coming from his perfect three’s and finished off 17 points and five rebounds.
Raymar Jose added 16 points and 10 rebounds to win the game with Monbert Arong’s 11 points and 3 assists. Everyone from the team was able to shoot, except for Brandrey Bienes.
“Masaya kami sa panalo, pero siyempre kulang pa rin. Tulad ng last game namin, syempre bumawi lang kami kasi bad game kami nun. Siguro focus pa kami sa darating na game namin,” said Jose.
FEU now tied with NU, 4-2 win-loss UAAP standing and will face each other on Wednesday.
“We’re expecting other teams to zone us. We’re not a good team playing in the zone, but I think today there were really good times. Mas gumaganda ‘yung ball shooting namin and direction namin. I think we’re starting to gain our confidence,” said Racela.
Vigil topped UST with 16 points, while Dean Lee and Regie Basibas added 13 and 11 points, respectively. They will face Adamson on Wednesday as well.
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