Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Raymar Jose and Monbert Arong are on their last days with Far Eastern University and the duo are determined to walk away from the league with their heads held high and their pride intact.
And that desire to walk away as victors was in full display when the two seniors willed the Tamaraws to a 62-61 triller over Ateneo in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: Arong, Jose push FEU past Ateneo, force decider for finals slot
“Para sa akin, sa puso ko ayoko pa magbakasyon (In my heart I know I still don’t want to go for a vacation),” said Jose. “Last year ko na, double effort na, triple pa nga eh, gusto ko makabalik ng Finals (This is my last year and if I have to double my effort, triple maybe, I will. I want to return to the Finals).”
Jose asserted his power with a 20-point, 23-rebound line and if the big man provided the muscle it was the steely Arong, who would step on the clutch pedal.
Arong, despite shooting a poor 4-of-13 from the field, rose up to the occasion in the final 1:25 of the game.
He scored five straight points, hitting a short jumper and three free throws for a 60-55 lead.
“Patiently, hinintay ko dumating yung laro ko, tiyaka naisip ko kasi inaalay ko yung game ko para sa family ko and ayoko muna matalo (I waited patiently for my game to come and I dedicated this game to my family and I don’t want to lose this one),” said Arong, who fired nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter.