Mike Tolomia lifts FEU over La Salle

PHOTO BY JERSEY HORTALEZA/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Mike Tolomia picked up where his former star teammates left off and Far Eastern University stunned defending champion La Salle, 82-77, in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tolomia took the lead role after playing under the wings of Garcia and Romeo in his first three years and immediately showed he can be relied on.

“It’s not that I was doubting my players but going up against a very, very strong team like La Salle, sometimes you have doubts,” FEU head coach Nash Racela admitted. “I never expected that we’re gonna win this game.”

But there was no doubting Tolomia especially in the fourth quarter.

The crafty guard Tolomia pumped in 13 of his 23 points in the final frame alone, that went with five assists and three rebounds to tow the Tamaraws, who bucked a slow start.

“We started very slow but as coaches we can’t do anything about it. It’s the opening game and they’re too excited,” said Racela.

Tolomia too, didn’t have the kind of start he would’ve wanted after he scored just three points on one-of-seven from the field in the first half.

“I was too eager in the first half and then in the second half that’s when I started to settle down. He (Racela) just told me start at the defensive end and that eventually my game will come,” Tolomia said in Filipino.

Forward Mark Belo carried much of the scoring load in the first half for the Tams, who fell behind by as much as 13 points, to finish with 20 points.

The Archers missed three free throws in the final 46.0 seconds with Jeron Teng, who had 14 points, going one-of-two and Norbert Torress coming up empty at the line with the Tamaraws on top by four, 81-77, with 21.3 ticks remaining.

Russel Escoto added 13 points and five rebounds in his first game back after an ACL injury to give FEU a lift.

Almond Vosotros paced La Salle with 18 points.

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