WINNING TRADITION. The FEU Tamaraws celebrate after winning their 20th UAAP men’s basketball championship following a thrilling 67-62 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in Game 3 of the Finals Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
AS FAR Eastern University’s star trio celebrated at center court, no one attempted to make this UAAP championship just about them.
Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy made sure that this crown belonged to them just as much as anyone on the team.
“Our teamwork was there,” said Belo, who won the Finals Most Valuable Player award. “There was pressure, but everyone was committed to make an effort.”
The Tamaraws pulled off an incredible fightback in the last four minutes to nip the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 67-62, in an epic Game 3 duel yesterday before a jampacked crowd at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
And it’s easy to extol the three veterans.
Belo unloaded a team-high 23 points, Pogoy knocked in a huge go-ahead triple in the final minute and Tolomia cushioned it with a clutch drive in the closing seconds.
But none of them took credit, and for FEU coach Nash Racela, that humility and group effort helped the Tamaraws’ thrilling title romp.
“Everyone put the team first above themselves,” said Racela.
Tolomia also lauded Belo, although either of them could have staked a claim to the title of King Tamaraw after their impressive collegiate careers.
“I’m so proud of Belo,” said Tolomia. “When the team struggled, he was the one who carried us. I didn’t care even if I end up with zero (output), as long as we win the championship.”
“We have a very good relationship,” added Pogoy. “I never thought it was just about my strength.”
True enough, it was all about their terrific teamwork with guys like Francis Tamsi, Russel Escoto, Raymar Jose, Ron Dennison, Achie Iñigo, Prince Orizu and Monbert Arong all delivering this season.
“They sacrificed, they kept their composure,” said Racela. “We’re sharing this down to the last guy.”