TAMARAWS’ TENACITY AGAINST UP IMPRESSES RACELA
FAR Eastern University (FEU) head coach Olsen Racela was proud to see his Tamaraws living up to their “Be Brave” mantra as they escaped from University of the Philippines (UP), 82-79, in overtime in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
“This team embodies the ‘Be Brave’ spirit of FEU — that we fight until the end,” said Racela in a post-game interview on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. “They might not be as talented and experienced as the other teams, but they really fight.”
FEU was enjoying a 19-point lead before the Bo Perasol-less UP regained its rhythm, eventually forcing an extension period.
Veteran players Wendell Comboy and Kenneth Tuffin took charge in overtime to seal the victory.
“Hard-fought win for us. That’s what you expect every game in the UAAP,” said Racela.
“I just told them to focus on what’s in front of us. I think that’s what we did. We played possession by possession. We started out well, didn’t end well in regulation but got back in overtime,” added the PBA legend.
It was the second straight win for the Tamaraws after a shock 39-61 loss to cellar- dweller National University in the first round.
FEU also forged a three-way tie at the third spot with De La Salle University and University of Sto. Tomas on a similar 4-4 record.
Seasoned forward Tuffin and playmaker L-Jay Gonzales credited Racela for putting emphasis on their defensive scheme as the Tamaraws stopped the rampaging Maroons, who outscored them by 26-9 in the fourth quarter to force the extra five minutes.
“We just tried to play great defense. Coach always say that we have to show up. For us to be able to compete, our defense has to be strong always,” said Tuffin, who topscored with 18 points highlighted by five triples.
“We just did our best and played focused in overtime. As what coach said, we just have to play defense until the end,” said Gonzales, who flirted with a triple- double as he tallied 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.