FAR EASTERN University survived University of Santo Tomas’ huge comeback from 21-points down, hacking out a 71-68 win to clinch the last Final Four berth in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) yesterday at Ynares Sports Arena.
Mac Belo knocked in 19 points, including two clutch free throws with 4.6 seconds left that sealed the Tamaraws’ win after the Tigers wiped out what seemed like an insurmountable lead, 45-24, in the second half.
“They exposed our weaknesses [in the final quarter],” said coach Nash Racela after his Tamaraws topped the Luzon-Metro Manila Sweet 16. “Losing our guards (RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo to the pros) was a big factor. But this is an opportunity for us to develop our other guards.”
The round-robin Final Four gets going on Monday with UAAP champion La Salle battling Southwestern University at 2 p.m. and four-time NCAA titlist San Beda facing the Tamaraws at 4 p.m. at Blue Eagle Gym.
The Tamaraws got off to a 15-3 start as the Tigers shot a woeful 1-of-14 from the field.
Roger Pogoy, Achie Iñigo, Carl Cruz and Mike Tolomia helped the Tamaraws keep their distance, 57-38, before the Tigers dropped a huge 21-3 bomb to move within a point, 59-60, in the final quarter.
A Sheak Sheriff basket gave the Tigers the edge, 67-65, with 1:54 minutes to go, but the Tamaraws grabbed the lead back, 69-67, with four straight points from Belo and Cruz.
The scores:
FEU 71—Belo 19, Tolomia 9, Cruz 9, Iñigo 8, Hargrove 8, Pogoy 6, Mendoza 5, Aguilon 3, Dennison 2, Sentcheu 2, Luz 0, Lee Yu 0, Delfinado 0, Jose 0.
UST 68—Abdul 20, Ferrer 15, Pe 9, Bautista 9, Daquioag 7, Lo 4, Sheriff 2, Faundo 2.
Quarters: 15-3, 35-24, 57-38, 71-68