FEU head coach Nash Racela. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Far Eastern University continued to struggle with the zone defense but was able to build enough cushion in the end to frustrate University of Santo Tomas, 79-72, in the rematch of last year’s finalists in the UAAP men’s basketball.
“We’re expecting a lot of teams to zone us because we’re not good against the zone,’’ said FEU coach Nash Racela after the defending champions forced a three-way tie for second place (4-2) with NU and Ateneo.
Allen Trinidad buried three consecutive threes in one decisive stretch in the second half that blew the game wide open.
“We are more comfortable playing man to man in defense, so we’re forced to study the zone. But the more teams zone us, the more we will be comfortable and this game is actually a good start,’’ said Racela.
Down by double-digits with the clock winding, the Tigers, however, tried to crawl back on Louie Vigil’s snipings but couldn’t stop the bleeding to end up absorbing their fourth setback in six games.
“Our next game against NU is going to be crucial because we’re stacked up in second place. We’ve got a few days to prepare and hopefully our minds are ready when we meet them,’’ said Racela.
The Scores
FEU 79—Trinidad 17, Jose 16, Arong 11, Orizu 9, Bayquin 5, Holmqvist 4, Denila 4, Tuffin 3, Ebona 3, Nunag 3, Roxas 3, Comboy 1, Bienes 0.
UST 72—Vigil 16, Lee 13, Basibas 11, Sheriff 8, Subido 7, Macasaet 6, Faundo 6, Huang 3, Lao 2, Tateishi 0, Caunan 0, Afoakwah 0, De Guzman 0
Quarters: 22-14, 42-29, 65-50, 79-72