It’s back to the drawing board for the FEU Tamaraws after they faltered against the DLSU Green Archers, 66-80, last Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum. The said loss is only the second for the Morayta-based dribblers and they remain on top of the team standings of the 73^rd UAAP season

The Tamaraws were ahead by four points at the end of the first half. Things changed; however, come the last two periods as they were outscored by their opponents. FEU was limited to only nine points in the fourth quarter, while DLSU scored 26.

RR Garcia was held scoreless in the last 10 minutes but still ended the game in double digits, 18 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Aldrech Ramos, on the other hand, contributed 14 points, five rebounds, seven blocks, and a steal.

FEU, who is the best offensive team in the league this season, shot poorly from the two-point field. They were only able to convert 14 out of their 35 attempts, or 40 percent, while La Salle had 48 percent, or 24 out of 50 attempts.

Missed free throw shots was also a factor as the Tams only shot 17 out of the possible 26 gift shots. This translates to only 65.4 percent as compared to the opposing team’s 76.9. Both squads were awarded the same number of gift shots.

Time to rethink

I’ve been trying to analyze things since last night. I ended up putting off writing until the results of today’s games were out.

Our team is certainly not invincible. Our losses this second round had already proven that. Just like any other team, the Tamaraws also have their own set of loopholes and flaws. Giving up too many turnovers and their inconsistent defense seem to be the Tams’ favorite mistakes.

FEU gives up 12.4 turnovers every game. In their recent outing against the Archers, they gave up 20 turnovers. The Archers were able to exact 12 points from our turnovers. These are big numbers considering that we’re only three games away from the semi-finals.

Before the match-up last Saturday, the biggest number we gave up was 18. That was during the game against Ateneo in the first round. We badly need to limit our turnovers before we go to the semis.

The Tamaraws failed against defense-oriented squads Adamson and De La Salle. The Falcons are the leaders in the said department, while the Archers, if I’m not mistaken, are either at third or fourth. DLSU’s defense actually forced our squad to commit numerous unnecessary fouls and turnovers in the fourth quarter, furthermore contributing to the Tams’ end game collapse.

We still have to face NU,UP, and Ateneo before the Final Four starts. As far as I know, National U comes next to the Falcons when it comes to defense. We had a tough time getting rid of them in the first round. I expect the same level of intensity from the Bulldogs this Thursday.

Ateneo may not have the same game, they’re also offensive-minded, but they are dangerous. The Blue Eagles are systematic, and their system has been effective for them so far. In addition to that, they are defending the title. Ateneo will surely put up a very good fight to retain the championship trophy.

If we are to strengthen our hold of the number one spot, and bag a twice-to-beat advantage, we need to work on these areas. RR Garcia needs assistance. He can’t do it alone. The guy’s already being guarded heavily. So far, it’s been Terrence Romeo who’s been providing Garcia the assistance he needs. Someone else needs to stand up aside from the usual guys.

I’m also worried that Coach Glen Capacio may be putting too much strain on our team’s starters. During the Tamaraws’ last outing, our starters Garcia, Aldrech Ramos, JR Cawaling, Jens Knuttel, and Reil Cervantes produced most of the points. The five of them combined for 49 markers, while the bench only 17. The Archers’ starters, on the other hand, made 35 while their bench produced 45. We have a deep bench and I hope that Capacio finds a way to capitalize on it.

Knocking on F4’s door

I’m looking at the team standings right now. FEU’s still number one with 9-2. ADMU takes second with 9-3 after winning against AdU. At third are the Falcons with 8-4, and the Archers takes fourth with 7-4. These teams are pretty much this season’s Final Four cast.

NU may still have a chance to contest the fourth spot with La Salle if they win all their remaining games. The Bulldogs just dropped UE today from the F4 contest.  I think UST will not be able to make it also.

FEU has to win all their remaining games so they go automatically to the semis with one of the two twice-to-beat advantages. The worst thing that could happen to us right now is to go down to number two, that is if we lose two of our remaining three games. A triple tie between Ateneo, AdU, and FEU is also possible. All teams will be at 10-3 if (1) Ateneo wins over UST and losses against us; (2) Adamson wins all their remaining games; and (3) we win over UP, lose against NU, and win over Ateneo again.

The recent defeat of Tams was a big one. But, as much as I hate losing, the game’s done and we can’t undo the results anymore. Our bid is very much alive and the team needs to perform better now more than ever.

I believe this is our season and the title will be back in Morayta after five long years.

A final note to my fellow Tamaraws…

No matter what the result of the game is, I hope you stay until we finish singing our school hymn. I’ve just noticed that many people from our side immediately left right after the final buzzer last Saturday. I hated the seat I got (duh! La Salle side) but I stayed. Singing our school hymn only takes a few minutes. It will not hurt to stay.

Let’s continue supporting our team. Let’s just bounce back, shall we.

 

August 30th, 2010 by reichmakayan Rachell Makayan is a 2008 graduate of the FEU-IN. A former sports writer of The Advocate. The product of an Ilocana mother and a Bicolano father (but trust me she doesn't know how to speak both provinces' dialect). The only FEU alumnus in her family, she constantly finds herself fighting over her mom, dad and sister every time the Tams plays the Warriors (Of course, she wins most of the time).