Forced to a do-or-die semis match, FEU determined to get back at Ateneo and gain UAAP Jrs finals

FAR Eastern University is confident it can make the necessary adjustments as they try to bounce back from the loss to Ateneo in the opener of the UAAP juniors basketball Final Four.

The Baby Tamaraws, holding a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, were forced to a do-or-die game for a finals seat, but LJ Gonzales said they have worked on the problems after the loss.  

“Hindi namin nasunod ‘yung game plan. Relaxed at hindi kami focused sa laro. Wala kaming depensa,” said Gonzales, who scored a team-high 13 points for FEU.

The match at The Arena in San Juan starts at 3 p.m., with the winner earning the the right to face reigning champion National University in the best-of-three championship series.

“Sabi nga ni coach, second quarter pa lang, panalo na sila,” Gonzales said, adding that coach Allan FEU coach Allan Albano has been dissatisfied with the Baby Tamaraws’ play even before the Final Four.

“Sabi ng coach namin, mag-focus kami sa laro kasi dalawang beses sa training namin, hindi namin nasunod ‘yung sinasabi ni coach kaya nagalit sa amin.”

Gonzales said FEU-Diliman’s practices have been intense, as expected, with the do-or-die match at hand.

“Go hard parati kami. Gagawin namin ang lahat para manalo,” Gonzales said.