Far Eastern University overcame a poor start to the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament by routing the University of the East, 76-56, last Saturday and got to the win column.
But make no mistake about it, the host school is still stewing over that defeat to Adamson, which the Tamaraws felt was a game they let slip away.
‘In that first game, even though we got up there, we weren’t legitimately in the rhythm we wanted to play with. Now, we’re just trying to find that rotation,’ coach Sean Chambers said after steering FEU to an even 1-1 win-loss record.
‘After that game, Cabs (Cabonilas) and Jedric (Daa) left for a week so we needed to figure it out. We’re grateful for these amazing kids because they worked hard. Kirby (Mongcopa), meanwhile, really stepped up to the plate after that last game and while we have to figure things out, it’s a good problem to have.’
Following their stints in the Fiba 3×3 U23 Asia Cup in Wuhan, China, Mongcopa, Daa and Cabonilas helped FEU score its season breakthrough.
Daa scored 12 points while Cabonilas turned in six points and 11 rebounds against the Red Warriors. It was, however, Mongcopa who truly shone with a monster double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
With all their stars shining at the right moment, FEU is looking to build a win streak when it battles La Salle, but it won’t be easy when their opponent has a hungry and well-rested Jacob Cortez.
Following the Green Archers’ most recent loss to the University of Santo Tomas, Cortez was quick to take responsibility for La Salle’s defeat.
And with two weeks to recover, he feels prepared enough to help the Archers improve on their 1-1 slate.
‘For sure, this two-week break is going to be really good for me. I’ll watch and study films,’ said Cortez after registering 13 points, five assists and four rebounds in their 80-75 loss to the Growling Tigers.
‘I’m looking forward and very excited for our next game, I love challenges like these,’ he added.