Refs took away FEU’s aggressiveness vs Ateneo, says Racela

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University coach Nash Racela lamented how the referees “took away” the Tamaraws’ aggressiveness in its disappointing 74-59 defeat to Ateneo on Wednesday.

“I’d like to focus on the second half because that’s the FEU brand of basketball—when we were the ones attacking on both ends. That’s something that they took away from us in the first half. We were trying to be aggressive in the first half but they didn’t allow us, while allowing the other team to be aggressive,” he said.

The Blue Eagles torched the Tamaraws in the first half, 46-28, and even held a 23-point lead at one point, 55-32.

Though FEU still tried to wage a fightback behind Raymar Jose and Prince Orizu, the Tamaraws lackluster shooting—going only 25-percent from the field—crippled them the end en route to a second straight setback.

Regarded as one of the best teams in the league, the Tamaraws suddenly find themselves in a precarious position, in danger of losing a top two spot after losses to Adamson and Ateneo.

But clinching that twice-to-beat incentive is the least of Racela’s concerns for his skidding team.

“Right now, we’re not looking at scenarios. We just want to focus on the next game because it all depends on that. I think the value of the last game will depend on the next game, so doon muna kami sa susunod.”

FEU is scheduled to face La Salle on Saturday before wrapping up its eliminations campaign against University of the East on Wednesday.

Now tied with Ateneo at 8-4, Racela keeps his optimism on a high as his squad looks to finish strong in the eliminations.

“All along, we kept on reminding the players not to be fooled by our record when we were 8-2. All of a sudden, we all think na we’re one of the best teams in the UAAP. Pero ang puhunan lang namin is the way we work. Pag umalis kami doon then again it’s gonna be a problem,” he said. “Anyways, there’s an end to a streak, and we will look to end that one.”