Despite a forgettable performance in the first round, Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas are keeping the faith, hoping that they can turn things around in the second round of Season 85 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball tournament.

Boosted by their back-to-back wins to end the first round, the Tamaraws vowed to go all out as they are still very much alive in the race for the Final Four.

FEU closed its first-round campaign with a shocking 47-44 win over National University, giving it massive momentum as it heads for the second round starting this Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With that, the Tamaraws will enter the second round with a 2-5 win-loss record.

"Our last win might not mean much but it gave us a fighting chance in the second round," said FEU coach Olsen Racela, adding that all it takes is one win for them to change their fate.

"I told them that Adamson, which started at sixth before the game last Saturday, is now at No. 4. So, anything can happen with just one win."

"That's what I've been telling them. We still have a long way to go, but this will give us that confidence."

The Falcons, who are being handled by Olsen's brother, Nash, are in a three-way tie at the fourth spot with University of the East and De La Salle University toting 3-4 win-loss slates. FEU is just one and half games behind.

Leading the pack after the first round is repeat-seeking University of the Philippines with a 6-1 record following close behind are Ateneo de Manila University and National University with identical 5-2 marks.

Racela hopes to keep the fire of their mini-run burning as the Tamaraws begin their push for the playoffs.

FEU will start its second-round campaign against University of the East, which dealt the Tamaraws a 66-76 beating in their first meeting, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.