NOW that the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws are in the Final Four, coach Nash Racela is hopeful that the team will play a more consistent game.
“They (Tams) are struggling. But the message to them is to continue doing the right things and look for consistency,” said Tams’ coach Nash Racela.
Racela said this after FEU got past the University of the East Warriors, 64-61, during their last elimination-round game in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
They eventually got the no. 3 seeding in the Final Four after the Ateneo Blue Eagles prevailed over Adamson, 73-67, to formally earn the no. 2 seeding in Final Four.
“It was not a nice win. But, it’s a process,” added Racela.
In their game with UE, FEU struggled with veteran shooter Monbert Arong sitting on the bench for most the time.
But a split free throw from Wendell Comboy and a triple from Axel Inigo in the last 35 seconds finally provided FEU the answers they needed to post their ninth win in 14 games.
They gained a four-point edge after FEU forced a 59-all deadlock off Comboy’s jumper with 1:36 remaining.
Racela said they decided to just let Arong sit it out, so that other players like Joseph Nunag can have more time on the floor, and after a month’s absence due to injury.
He added that another reserve player Kim Bayquin also needed to have time on the court. Peter Atencio
“Pakiramdam ko ay kakailanganin sila sa playoff, and this is the last time to give them an opportunity to help them get their timing,” said Racela.
Inigo showed the way with 16 points while Richard Escoto and Raymar Jose added 11 each, and Comboy shot 10 for the Tams.