FEU holds on to beat La Salle for No. 2 spot
FEU Tamaraw Roger Pogoy drives against Dela Salle Archers Kib Montalbo and Jeron Teng. INQUIRER PHOTO/ARNOLD ALMACEN
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University held off De La Salle, 65-60, in a playoff for the last twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws finished the game on a 7-0 run highlighted by a basket by Carl Cruz that gave them a 63-60 edge with 22 seconds left.
“It was really hard especially coming off the loss against Ateneo. Today we just showed the character of the team,” said FEU head coach Nash Racela, referring to the Tamaraws’ previous game where they lost to Ateneo in overtime despite leading by 19 points late.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet. That’s why I had to talk to my players right after the game and remind them not to celebrate too much,” said Racela, whose squad improved to 3-0 against La Salle this season.
FEU head coach Nash Racela (left) says his team hasn’t achieved anything yet despite securing a twice-to-beat advantage Sunday. PHOTO/MARK GIONGCO
Mike Tolomia scored 19 points, 13 coming in the second half to lead the Tamaraws, who blew a 13-point lead before a string of stops allowed them to get their bearings back and close the Green Archers out. He also grabbed eight rebounds but had seven turnovers.
“For two years they (La Salle) were the ones who eliminated us that’s why before the start of the season I was really preparing hard for them,” said Tolomia.
Mac Belo added 15 points, seven coming in the second period, and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Jason Perkins also had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds while Almond Vosotros fired all of his 13 points in the third quarter, where the Archers scored 26 points after putting up just 24 in the first half.
La Salle trailed by 13 in the second period and was behind by 10 midway in the third quarter before Arnold Van Opstal’s basket finally gave the Archers the upper hand, 60-58, with 3:26 left.
But La Salle wouldn’t score again and instead muff several cracks at the basket from close range.
The Archers still had a chance to tie the game but Vosotros’ ill-advised 3-pointer from way out with under 20 seconds to go was off.
FEU and La Salle will meet again on Saturday to start their semifinals series at the same venue.
“We’re happy we won this game but it’s far from over. We still need another win for us to get to the finals,” Racela said.
The other semis matchup featuring top seed Ateneo and No. 4 National University starts on Wednesday, 4 pm, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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