FILE PHOTO – Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Far Eastern University has thrived on playing as a team rather than relying on just one player.
But there was no doubt who the Tamaraws turned to with the game on the line Sunday.
Down by one against National University in the dwindling seconds, Monbert Arong rose to the occasion for FEU as his baseline jumper with 3.7 seconds left rescued the Tamaraws, 57-56.
“Today, he was the go-to guy,” said Racela of Arong.
Racela was relieved his crew found a way to squeeze out the hard-fought win and the Tamaraws couldn’t have done it without Arong.
“We hope that every game, kung sino man ang puntahan namin, maka-deliver whoever that is. We’re just happy that Monbert was able to deliver for us today,” the mentor said.
Arong, meanwhile, shared he kept his belief in himself and in his team despite the pain he was feeling in his ankle.
“Binubulong ko lang sa sarili ko yung bible verse na, ‘I can do all things through Christ.’ Kaya talagang confident lang ako na ma-shoot ko yung ball,” he said. “Credit to the coaches at sa mga teammates ko rin dahil nag-teamwork kami at di kami bumitaw until the end.”
Arong dropped seven of his 13 points in the fourth frame, none bigger than his game-winner. He also had two rebounds and two assists in the victory, which was FEU’s fifth straight to stay in solo second place with a 6-2 card.
“Naglalaro ako para kay God. Gusto ko lalo na yung mga nanonood na ma-encourage sila mag-play with God,” he said./rga