Racela keeps faith in Tolomia despite woeful shooting in Game 2

Mike Tolomia with poor shooting night. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Despite Mike Tolomia’s paltry shooting so far in the UAAP Season 78 finals, Far Eastern U coach Nash Racela remains confident of his star guard.

“It’s not a concern,” he said. “These are veterans. I’m sure they’ll come back stronger the next time.”

READ: Masterful showing from Ferrer as UST extends UAAP finals to game 3

Tolomia was miserable from the field in the Tamaraws game 2 loss to University of Santo Tomas, 62-57, going 0-for-15 to finish with only seven points that went with eight rebounds, and six assists.

He also had six turnovers which contributed to FEU’s doom.

But Racela came to Tolomia’s defense and regarded the outing as merely a poor shooting night.

“He took shots and he just didn’t make it. If one of those connected, it’s a whole new ballgame altogether,” the coach said. “It’s give-and-take. Someone has to shoot. If Kevin (Ferrer) didn’t gamble in the third quarter, he won’t be able to get that explosion.”

Racela said that he kept his patience with Tolomia all game long to get his rhythm going.

“I was waiting for him to get his game,” he said, but unfortunately, that did not come for Tolomia.

But the senior guard vowed to bounce back strong for FEU come the winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday.

“Babawi ako sa Game 3 (I’ll bounce back on Game 3.),” quipped Tolomia.

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