RJ Abarrientos felt nothing but frustration after Far Eastern University's tough 73-68 loss against National University in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball last Saturday, April 2.
Abarrientos was almost a one-man team for the Tamaraws after posting 33 points on 11-of-21 clip built on eight three-pointers along with five rebounds.
He had ample support from fellow guards Royce Alforque and Ljay Gonzales who contributed 13 and nine points, respectively.
The Bulldogs, however, put a stop at Abarrientos after Jeff Napa decided to pin him down.
"It's frustrating," said the 5-foot-11 Abarrientos, who was obiviously dismayed by the lack of bench support. "Sobrang down ng nangyari sa amin. Sobrang struggle for me and my team. Siyempre hindi madali na matalo ng ilang straight na."
Still, the Gilas Pilipinas stalwart looked on the brighter side and hoped that the team's gelling will materialize in the next few games as the Tamaraws fell to a 1-3 hole.
"Dito makikita, dito masusubok 'yong samahan namin kahit na ganoon 'yong mga nangyari," added the 22-year-old FEU playmaker.
Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela, likewise, addressed the same problem and stressed the lack of contribution from his other wards when it mattered the most especially after Abarrientos was pressured by defense and lost steam in the payoff period.
The same goes on the defensive end as FEU couldn't put a stop on Michael Malonzo's clutch plays down the stretch.
"We could make the stop when we needed to, we could not get the rebound we need to," said Racela. "Kailangan namin sigurong i-improve 'yong learning to play doon in the crucial moments of the game."