The FEU Tamaraws may have finally rediscovered the form that made them a favorite to win the UAAP crown before crumbling in the Final Four. Two months after they were supposed to meet in a finals series, FEU and Ateneo are finally playing for a title but this time its for the PCCL or our country’s version of a national championship.

I will admit that the PCCL still has a ways to go before it could generate the buzz and atmosphere similar to a UAAP championship but the decision of ABS-CBN to pick up its broadcast rights has made it more accessible to college basketball fanatics who thought the season ended in October.

In addition, some notable Tams and Eagles will not be playing in the series for a variety of reasons and supposed excuses. Those recently cut from the FEU lineup are Jun Tanuan, Jaymo Equilos, KC Caluag and Marty Pereabras. Actually Coach Glenn Capacio has been playing with a 10-man roster and even bench mainstay Jolas Guerrero has been able to play some significant minutes. Guerrero actually played solid in the semis game versus San Sebastian as he hauled a couple of rebounds and did not look lost in the court.

In the Blue side, Rabeh Al Hussaini has apparently decided to close out his collegiate career and focus on his stint in the Smart Gilas National Team. Well an MVP trophy and two UAAP titles is apparently enough for him to close out the Ateneo chapter of his life.

RR Garcia practically willed the FEU Tamaraws past the NCAA champs Stags, as he scored 28 points and 6 boards in 40 minutes of action but his tenacity in the endgame saved FEU from elimination. RR has shown that he can be a go-to-guy since the summer leagues but everybody knew that role belonged to Mark Barroca before his unfortunate exit late in the season. RR may have taken that big step in this game and might make a bigger one if he plays well again this week.

The Stags had all the motivation to beat the Tams as no NCAA team has won the PCCL since it was launched in 2002 and FEU won the the Fr Martin’s Open Cup against them last March.

Aldrech Ramos should also be given a gold star after pulling down 12 rebounds in 35 minutes and not having a minute of rest in the second half. Aldrech has also been playing heavy minutes in Smart Gilas and actually had to attend practice with them along with JR Cawaling after the game.

Many may have been turned off on how FEU’s UAAP season ended but the Tamaraws are slowly giving us a reason to cheer for them again.

 

December 7th, 2009 by ian.evasco Born in the old FEU Hospital Son of two FEU graduates Former EIC of The FEU Advocate ABMC Batch 2002 FEU-IAS Naks...Tamaraw na Tamaraw Talaga