Far Eastern University is in the midst of a disappointing four-game losing streak in the second round of the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament and a large reason for that was the absence of the injured Prince Orizu.
The Tamaraws’ 6-foot-7 center has been out of the team’s roster after suffering a high ankle sprain on his left leg in the early part of their 82-62 loss to Ateneo.
Since then, FEU’s slide has continued until FEU, once in the top 3, dropped the fifth seed with a 5-6 record with just a few games left in the elimination round.
Orizu, though, is eager to put a stop to his team’s misery as he plans to return to action on Sunday when the Tamaraws take on University of the East.
“The doctors said I’m doing pretty well, my recovery’s pretty fast, I just hope I can recover fast enough so by next game I’m there,” said Orizu who admitted he frustrated with how opposing big men bullied the FEU defense.
Angelo Kouame pounded FEU’s interior to the tune of 33 points and 27 rebounds right after Orizu went down with the injury, and the Tamaraws’ troubles underneath the basket continued for the next two games.
Bright Akhuetie had his way against the Tamaraws finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds in UP’s 95-82 win while Santi Santillan and Justine Baltazar combined for 27 points and 20 rebounds in La Salle’s 65-57 victory.
“If I was there it would be a lot different,” said Orizu. “If I’m there these guys won’t make those easy baskets, they’re going to bleed for it.”