Tams out to check freefall

MANILA, Philippines — The No. 1 team of the first round, Far Eastern has found itself on a freefall in the second phase of action in UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tourney, dropping its three assignments to slide to joint fourth.

But Tams coach Olsen Racela said they aren’t beating themselves up for this skid.

“A lot of things happened, it’s just unfortunate na sabay sabay – Prince’s injury, Arvin’s suspension,” said Racela after their 82-95 setback to University of the Philippines last Wednesday.

He was referring to the ankle injury that sidelined big man Prince Orizu, leaving a gaping hole on the Tam’s interior, and the two-game ban their top scorer Arvin Tolentino has to serve against UP, and in the preceding game versus Ateneo.

Tolentino returns to the fold today as FEU (5-5) faces third-running La Salle (5-4) in a must-win while Orizu remains doubtful.  

“I don’t know how long Prince will be out, we have another crucial game on Saturday (today) but sabi ko sa mga players we’ll try again on Saturday,” said Racela.

“I just commended their effort (against UP); alam nilang we were two players down, mahirap maglaro nang ganon but they still followed the game plan, gave it their best, lalo na yung mga bigs, hindi biro yung ginawa nila against (UP slotman Bright) Akhuetie, iba yung Akhuetie,” he added.

Racela expects Tolentino to get wiser coming out of suspension.

“Natuto na yan. Kung masuspend pa siya, that’s the end of his UAAP career. He has learned his lesson and sabi nga namin it’s not just this season, it’s more for his future. Malayo pa ang future ni Arvin after UAAP,” he said.

The FEU mentor expressed confidence his wards can pick themselves up.

“ I told them if we play the same way, if we give the same effort on Saturday (today) our chances of getting one will be much higher. No guarantees pero tuloy lang ang laban,” he said.