FEU coach insists on 'play to win' mindset in breakthrough win vs Ateneo
MANILA, Philippines — Two similar situations, but two different outcomes for the FEU Tamaraws as they were able to barge into the win column in UAAP Season 86, beating defending champions Ateneo, 66-61, in overtime on Saturday.
After falling short in extra period against the UP Fighting Maroons last Wednesday, FEU got over the hump to snap a four-game losing streak with a resounding win over Tab Baldwin’s Blue Eagles.
Asked what was different this time around, FEU head coach Denok Miranda said that they were able to tweak their approach to the game.
“Siguro yung play to win. Yun yung naging mindset namin this game kasi the past game namin, alam namin na kaya namin pero hindi kami maka-over the hump sa mga ilang possession,” Miranda said after the game.
“Yun ang talagang in-address namin, mga coaches, lalong lalo na ako. So, ayun, may mga narinig lang sa akin itong mga ito. Mga last week pa yan, before ng UP game e. So nakita ko naman na nag-respond sila,” he added.
Miranda also expressed relief at finally getting the monkey off of their backs.
Since taking over the reins earlier this year, Miranda finally has a UAAP win under his belt.
“Siyempre as an alumni sa FEU, hindi ako papayag na natatalo lang kami na ganun. Yung mentality na winning attitude is medyo nagkukulang pero medyo ginising ko lang sila, kasi medyo nago-observe ako. Ayun, ganda naman ng pagkagising nila,” Miranda quipped.
“Nag-start sa UP, hindi lang namin nakuha, tapos nag-follow up ngayon. So hopefully mas magising ko sila sa mga succeeding games. Kasi sa during game, sabi nga ni LJay [Gonzales], ginigising ko sila. Alam ko namang kayang-kaya nila pero di ko pa nakikita yung diin. So papunta kami doon.”
Miranda and the rest of the Tamaraws hope to ride the win when they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, October 18.
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