Following a disappointing loss in their UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament opener against the Adamson Falcons, Jorick Bautista and the FEU Tamaraws broke through in their next game, routing the struggling UE Red Warriors, 93-70, to claim their first victory of this season on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The win sent the Morayta‑based squad into the win column with an even 1‑1 record, while extending the Red Warriors’ losing streak to 23 games. This marked UE’s first match under newly appointed head coach Paolo Hubalde.
Bautista, FEU’s team captain, underscored the two‑week break as a key contributor to their bounce‑back win, explaining how the Tamaraws were able to recalibrate after dropping their season opener.
“Sobrang laking tulong ng two‑week break namin, naging prepared kami physically and mentally,” Bautista—who notched 13 points—said postgame. “Alam naman namin na galing kami sa talo n’on. Sobrang laking tulong kasi na‑refresh ‘yung mind, ta’s mas naging prepared kami for this upcoming game.”
Jorick Bautista Describes Winless UE as FEU’s ‘Toughest Match’
Despite playing against a team that has not won in almost two years, Jorick Bautista labeled UE as the Tamaraws’ toughest opponent, noting that teams often lower their guard when facing weaker rivals.
“Sa’min, eto ‘yung pinaka‑mahirap na games kasi dito mate‑test yung character namin. Syempre, tendencies ng player ‘Ah madali lang ‘yan kasi UE’, pero hindi, mas eager kami manalo,” Bautista said.
Amidst the blowout victory, Bautista emphasized the importance of staying focused, as FEU will have little time to rest before facing their biggest challenge—the reigning champions La Salle Green Archers.
“Be ready lang, always. Hindi kami sanay sa two‑weeks break, pero sobrang laking tulong n’on. Ready lang kami, back to training na ulit,” the senior guard said.
The Tamaraws will look to upset the Archers on Wednesday, September 30, at the same venue.
