The FEU Tamaraws leaned on fierce defense on Wednesday to stun the defending champions La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament. And it was Jedric Daa who spearheaded that fantastic defensive effort, allowing the Tamaraws to come away with the 90‑78 victory.
After the game, the third‑year guard credited his teammates for playing excellent defense and neutralizing the Green Archers’ prolific guards.
FEU’s Bigs Help Out Jedric Daa
Against La Salle, Jedric Daa had the unenviable task of slowing down Jacob Cortez, Joaquin Tovera, and even JC Macalalag. Safe to say, the feisty guard did a good job, especially on Cortez, whom Daa held to just 6 points on 2‑for‑8 shooting. He isn’t taking all the credit, though, as he praised FEU’s bigs for helping him tremendously.
“‘Di lang naman dahil sa akin. Actually tulong din ng mga big man namin. Si Mo [Konateh] ‘yan, especially si Mo kasi kapag nabi‑beat ako, nandoon siya para saluhin ako para makarecover ako ulit,” said Daa. “Hindi lang naman sa akin, sila din. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa kanila kasi kahit papaano hindi nila ako iniiwan. Buong court ko binabantayan si Cortez, so madali ako i‑blow by nun pero hindi nangyari ‘yun kasi nga nandun ‘yung mga bigs.”
Konateh lorded it over the paint, finishing the game with 10 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks to complement Jedric Daa’s lockdown defense on the perimeter. The veteran guard himself tallied 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
More Defensive Tasks Ahead
After successfully shutting down Cortez, Jedric Daa will surely be tasked with equally challenging assignments. In fact, in FEU’s next game, he will likely be pitted against a trio of explosive guards from the UP Fighting Maroons in Rey Remogat, James Payosing, and Arvie Poyos.
Fortunately for Daa, he and his Tamaraws will get some rest before taking on the Fighting Maroons on October 4 at the PhilSports Arena.
