Busy sked for Tams after UAAP collapse

MANILA—Far Eastern University hopes to move on from its UAAP Finals debacle by gearing up for two upcoming tournaments even as coach Glenn Capacio’s fate remains uncertain.   The Tamaraws, the top-ranked squad swept by the eventual three-time champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, seek  redemption in the University Games in Dumaguete City in three weeks and in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League next month.   “We’re taking a break for at least a week, then we’ll join the Unigames,” said FEU athletic director Mark Molina. “We’ll only field our younger players in the Unigames, but the team will play in the Champions League.”   The Tamaraws have yet to meet with Capacio, who had been confined in a hospital since suffering from hypertension midway through Game 2 of the best-of-three men’s basketball title series last Thursday.   FEU’s assistant mentors took over in the final two quarters as Capacio was rushed to Medical City after his blood pressure shot up late in the first half.   “He was supposed to be out of the hospital [yesterday afternoon] after several routine tests,” said Molina.   Molina said, though, the team is still uncertain if Capacio would still call the shots in the Tamaraws’ next two tournaments.   The title-favorite  Tamaraws absorbed an embarrassing  72-49 blowout loss in Game 1, before the the Eagles wrapped up the series in Game 2, 65-62.   “Every year we’re a contender, but I guess we just lacked championship experience and desire,” said swingman Paul Sanga, the only player graduating from FEU’s roster.   “We did not how to react playing in the Finals,” said Molina. “We we were much better [in Game 2], but for me, Ateneo’s championship experience was a factor. They took care of business, so we have to give them a lot of credit.” Photo by Celest Flores