Zamar rues Warriors loss to Tams in 2 OTs

MANILA, Philippines - UE coach Boycie Zamar said “lack of maturity and mental toughness” at endgame did them in in their 94-98 double overtime setback to Far Eastern U in Sunday’s UAAP Season 76 match.

The Warriors were 22 seconds away from wrapping up a big come-from-behind triumph in the first extension, leading by seven (84-77), only to flounder with sloppy defense, poor shot selections and missed free throws.

“It’s all about maturity and mental toughness,” a sullen Zamar told reporters after emerging from the UE dugout. “You can’t celebrate early and you have to shoot your free throws. You have to be both matured and mentally tough.”

A quick basket by Terrence Romeo and a triple by Gryann Mendoza off a steal made it a two-point ball game and then UE star Roi Sumang got a chance to stretch the cushion after getting fouled by Romeo. But the UE prized playmaker missed the front end of his charities and made the second shot, giving the Warriors a three-point margin that Mike Tolomia immediately erased with a triple that forced second overtime.

The Warriors then flubbed three of their four charities but still managed to seize a 91-87 lead. That, however, turned out to be UE’s last taste of the lead as FEU’s Romeo and Mendoza struck hard, along with Anthony Hargrove, to salvage the win and snap the RR Garcia-less Tams’ two-game slide and the Warriors’ three-game roll.

“Para sa akin, tragedy ito. Kumbaga sa barko, malapit ka na sa pier, nabangga ka pa at lumubog (It’s a tragedy for me. If we were a ship, we’re so close to the port but got into an unfortunate collision and sank),” said Zamar.

The sorry setback dropped UE (5-4) to joint fourth with Ateneo while the Tams improved to 8-2 to lead National U (7-3) and La Salle (6-4).

“Kailangan naming umahon at mag-survive, lumangoy at gumamit ng raft. Kailangan naming gawin ito in the race to the Final Four (We have to go on survival mode and do what’s necessary as the race to the Final Four is heating up),” said Zamar.

On the other side of the fence, the pacesetting FEU just saw an end to a mild slump.

With Garcia serving suspension, coach Nash Racela looked for an assembly of heroes to do the job and got the response from everyone – from Romeo to Mendoza and to seldom-used players like Axel Inigo.

Romeo shrugged off a hurting left ankle to fire 30 big points along with seven rebounds and four assists.

“The day before, he twisted his ankle in practice and I wasn’t actually expecting him to play. But you have to commend Terrence’s heart; he just wants to play and help the team,” said Racela.

Romeo landed awkwardly after launching a triple attempt against UE’s Charles Mammie in the third period and aggravated the injury.

“Na-twist yung paa, yung same na natapilok. Pero gusto ko talaga bumalik. Sabi ko kung kaya ko pang ihakbang, ilalakad ko pa (I twisted the same ankle. But I really wanted to come back into the game),” said Romeo.

For his gutsy effort, the former Rookie of the Year earned the nod of the UAAP Press Corps as its Player of the Week honoree.