With the monkey already off its back, Far Eastern University head coach Olsen Racela hopes to build on their victory over University of Santo Tomas.
Victory has been elusive for FEU in its first five starts in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.
The Morayta-based squad finally ended its worst start in the Final Four era after routing the skidding Tigers, 75-60, last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Racela praised his players for overcoming adversity and keeping their heads up despite the string of losses.
“The good thing about our win was that everyone really showed up and played,” Racela said.
“That losing streak really affected the morale of the team,” he added.
“Still, I’m proud of this team because they never gave up. Hopefully, it helps us, especially with our morale and confidence.”
Bryan Sajonia poured 23 points on a perfect 9-of-9 clip from the two-point area to lead the Tamaraws to their breakthrough victory over UST, which played without center Adama Faye due to a one-game ban.
“Coach Olsen has been telling us inside the dugout not to lose confidence. Trust in each other,” Sanjonia, who shot 10-of-16 from the field.
“He told us not to play individually and play as one. Because of our losing streak, we need to play as a team.”
FEU’s snipers also clicked from the outside, hitting 9-of-30 from the three-point area with Xyrus Torres drilling five of his 11 attempts.
“I just told them, it’s not what happens to you, it’s what happens in you that matters. Even if we have a losing streak, I told them to stay positive, and eventually, if we work hard, it will pay off,” Racela said.
“And we got our first win tonight.”
The Tamaraws are in a two-way tie at the bottom with the Tigers, who are now on a five-game slide.
FEU will shoot for a second straight win and a good end to their first-round campaign against National University on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“We close out the first round on Sunday. We just have to prepare for the next one,” Racela said.
