MANILA, Philippines — Mike Tolomia took over in the second half as Far Eastern University turned back defending NCAA champion San Beda, 62-56, at the start of the single round robin Final Four of the PCCL Monday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Tolomia pumped in 21 of his 23 points in the last two quarters including a 15-point third quarter where the Tamaraws stemmed the tide to their favor.
“We’re not as talented as before so we had to rely on our team defense,” said FEU assistant coach Eric Gonzales, who filled in for Nash Racela.
Racela is currently with the Sinag Pilipinas National team in Myanmar for the 27th SEA Games as one of the squad’s assistant coaches.
Carl Cruz added 11 points and four rebounds while stepping in place of starting forward Mark Belo, who is also part of the Sinag squad.
Tolomia, the third year guard, single-handedly carried FEU back from a sizeable lead early in the third quarter. He actually outscored the Red Lions in the pivotal period, 15-10, as the Tams took a 46-40 edge entering the final frame.
FEU faces De La Salle, which took a stunning 68-58 loss to Southwestern U in OT earlier, Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan.