Tams seize 1-0 lead

MARK Tolomia (below) of Far Eastern U eludes the defense of UST’s Karim Abdul. KMBERLY DELA CRUZ

FAR EASTER University makes it look so easy, this ability to flick on a switch when it needs to go for the kill.

Faced with one of the more potent, paralyzing comebacks in the league, the Tamaraws found a new gear in the stretch, unleashing a killer run that sealed a 75-64 victory over University of Santo Tomas yesterday in Game 1 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals.

But it wasn’t just the dominant finish at Mall of Asia Arena that was impressive. It was the way FEU seemed to toy around with UST, taking a huge lead early, easing up a bit to allow the Tigers to launch their patented rally—one that has frozen several teams in the past—and then stepping on the gas at the snap of a finger.

“Our players have a very good understanding of our game,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “They don’t really care who gets the credit in this team. And that’s (a) hard (trait to find).”

The Tamaraws dealt the crushing blow with almost everyone having a hand in a 14-0 burst inside the last three minutes of the match.

FEU’s depth just proved too much for a UST side that relied heavily on the duo of Karim Abdul and Kevin Ferrer.

Boasting five players finishing in double figures—Roger Pogoy (15 points), Mike Tolomia (14 points), Mac Belo (13 points, 13 rebounds), Russel Escoto (12 points) and Prince Orizu (10 points)—the Tamaraws just came out too strong early, and in the end, came out just as gritty.

“Every member of this team has been contributing,” said Racela.

And it wasn’t just that flip-a-switch routine that gave the Tamaraws their first win over the Tigers in three meetings this season.

“I think it was because of our defense,” said Racela. “This team has been an underrated defensive team. This boys work hard when it comes to defense and it showed today.”

There’s the Tamaraws’ rebounding, too, as they heavily beat the Tigers, 56-32, off the boards.

The Tamaraws try to sweep the Tigers in Game 2 this Saturday. But the players already learned the lessons from last year’s heartbreak when they blew a 1-0 series lead to National University.

“No one’s celebrating,” said Pogoy. “We’re back to zero.”

The scores:
FEU 75—Pogoy 15, Tolomia 14, Belo 13, Escoto Ru. 12, Orizu 10, Tamsi 5, Jose 4, Arong 2, Dennison 0, Escoto Ri. 0, Iñigo 0.
UST 64—Abdul 19, Ferrer 15, Vigil 8, Bonleon 6, Sheriff 6, Lee 6, Daquioag 4, Faundo 0, Lao 0.
Quarters: 28-24, 47-34, 57-51, 75-64