Flores on FEU's Game 1 loss: We failed to play as a team

Far Eastern University coach Bert Flores believes the Tamaraws' lack of team play was a crucial factor in their Game 1 loss to three-time defending champion Ateneo in the 74th UAAP men's basketball finals. "We're focused on our defense in the first half. Come the second half we put premium on offense. We lost our ball movement in the second half," said Flores after FEU's 82-64 setback against Ateneo in the opener of the best-of-three title series. The Tamaraws were in control for most of the first half. But the Blue Eagles, behind Nico Salva, pulled away in the third period. Salva took over the scoring chores for Ateneo to finish with 24 points on an 8-of-8 shooting from the field and the free throw line. Ateneo also capitalized on the fastbreak as they outscored FEU in the running game, 18-2. "They execute well if you don't pressure them. They played a perfect game," said Flores. Terrence Romeo put FEU in contention in the first half scoring 10 of his 23 points in the opening quarter. But he went scoreless in the second period thanks to Kirk Long's stifling defense. "He (Romeo) still has some lapses since he's thinking more on his offense that's why we failed to find the open man," said Flores. Flores said that they will continue to focus on defense on Tuesday's Game 2 also at the Big Dome. "We need to improve on our defense. We're still alive, we need to make some adjustments in Game 2. Who knows, we might pull off a surprise. We've already done that coming off a loss," said Flores. First-year player Russel Escoto had 12 points while big man Aldrech Ramos had nine points but only had three rebounds. Last year's Most Valuable Player RR Garcia only had six points but had eight assists. — Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News