FEU coach Nash Racela. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—MAC Belo continued to do wonders even off the bench as Far Eastern University downed University of the East, 73-63, to climb to a share of second at 3-1 in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Belo, the standout forward who didn’t start for the second straight game, sparked the Tamaraws’ comeback from an early deficit before finishing with a game-high 21 points.
“He’s very consistent,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “His true leadership showed today. Even if he came off the bench in a big game, he still gives the numbers.”
Anthony Hargrove, who teamed up with Roger Pogoy and Achie Iñigo in a fourth-quarter breakaway, posted a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Tamaraws came back from an early 13-point deficit, 9-22, with Belo and Hargrove fueling a 10-3 blitz at the start of the second quarter to trim the margin to 22-25.
“We just emphasized on individual defense,” said Racela. “Our small guys really defended well today.”
By the second half, the Tamaraws were in full control and kept UE star guard Roi Sumang scoreless in the first three quarters.
The Tamaraws pulled away by as many as 10 points, 69-59, with less than three minutes left as the Warriors couldn’t convert a field-goal for a seven-minute stretch in the final period.
“UE is a pressing team, we acknowledge that and we actually want that so that we can attack the basket,” said Racela. “The players executed well, especially in the second half.”
The Warriors absorbed their second straight loss to drop into a tie with idle La Salle at 2-2.
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