Racela rues Tams’ poor defense vs hot-shooting Eagles

FEU head coach Olsen Racela wasn’t pleased with his team’s defense in a loss to Ateneo on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University head coach Olsen Racela said his team’s lackadaisical defense is what cost them the game against Ateneo on Sunday.

The Tamaraws lost, 94-82, and saw their record dip to 1-2 while the Blue Eagles remained at the top of the league with a 3-0 card.

READ: Ateneo downs FEU for 3-0 start

“We have to really improve defensively,” Racela told reporters. “We gave up too many points against Ateneo and when they shoot like that it’s really hard to stop, even in the PBA when teams shoot that much from the three-point area they’re pretty hard to stop.”

Ateneo started out on a blistering pace scoring seven triples in the first quarter alone and finishing the game hitting 12 out of 34 attempts. The Blue Eagles shot 50 percent from the field.

Although it’s still early in the season, Racela said their win-loss record is a sign that they are still not in peak form.

“With our record now, you’d want everyone to play better,” said Racela. “I want to see improvements. Good thing is the season is far from over so we still have time and there are still lots to work on.”