Regaining focus top concern of Tamaraws

Far Eastern University hopes to work on its mental game after a monumental meltdown against Ateneo in its bid for the No. 1 spot in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

“We shot ourselves in the foot,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “But what’s important for us right now is our preparation mentally. It’s hard coming from that kind of loss. You’re a free throw away from the [No. 1 spot], then you throw it away. But we’ll work on that. We’ll refocus, we’ll prepare.”

The Tamaraws missed out on the chance to nail the top spot, which comes with the twice-to-beat incentive, after bowing to the Blue Eagles, 68-64, in overtime, where they blew a 19-point advantage in the last six minutes of regulation.

FEU’s star guard Mike Tolomia had a chance to salvage the game in regulation, but missed two free throws with 2.8 seconds left.

All told, the Tamaraws made only two of 13 free throws and converted only one field goal in the last six minutes.

“Games are not won in three quarters, you have to finish it,” said Racela. “Hopefully next time, we’ll come out successful.”

“What’s important is our recovery,” added Racela. “After today, I told the players to think long and hard if they really want it (championship). Hopefully, tomorrow they come back and say they want it.”

The Tamaraws vie for redemption this Saturday when they dispute the No. 2 spot and the last semifinal bonus versus defending champion La Salle.

The Green Archers tied the Tamaraws at 10-4 after wrapping up their own elimination run with a 68-56 victory over National University.