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Almost there! FEU Tamaraws take Game 1 against NU Bulldogs

Manila, Philippines-Mike Tolomia of Far Eastern University brings the Tamaraws one game closer to the UAAP title. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

The Far Eastern University Tamaraws are one win away from winning the UAAP men’s basketball title after fashioning out a 75-70 victory over the National University Bulldogs, Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With eight seconds left in the game, the Bulldogs had one more shot at knotting the game with a triple. However, Glenn Khobuntin’s triple hit nothing but the backboard. Achie Inigo made insurance free throws for FEU with 0.7 seconds left in the game to give them the important Game 1 victory.

Mike Tolomia led FEU with 15 points in the game while RR Pogoy added 14. Inigo added 12 points, all in the second half as he led FEU’s fourth quarter attack.

The Tamaraws held a 10-point lead to start the fourth quarter but the Bulldogs slowly fought their way back into the game. A triple from Jay Alejandro got NU to within three points, 71-68, with 1:01 left in the game.

Needing a basket, FEU went to Mark Belo who was, at that point, shooting 2 of 12 from the field. The versatile forward scored on a layup to give the Tamaraws a more comfortable five-point advantage.

NU had multiple shots to get closer but Alfred Aroga and Gelo Alolino both split their charities.

Aroga led NU with 17 points and eight rebounds in the game while Gelo Alolino chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds.

Game 2 will be on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs and the Tamaraws fought neck and neck in the first quarter as the former held a 15-14 lead.
NU tightened up their defense as they forced multiple FEU turnovers in the second quarter. Reden Celda carried the Bulldogs' offense off the bench as he scored on a triple and added another basket at the 6:01 mark to give his side their biggest lead at 30-18.

However, this lead didn’t last long FEU unleashed an 11-0 run to cut the lead to one. NU held on to a 38-35 lead at the half.

Troy Rosario led NU with 11 points and six rebounds at the half. Celda contributed a surprising seven points for the Bulldogs in only seven minutes on the floor.

Mike Tolomia spearheaded FEU’s first half attack with 11 points although he committed 12 turnovers in the first 20 minutes.

The Tamaraws launched a 12-3 run to start the second half as they sped up the game, not allowing NU’s defense to set. They took a 47-41 lead halfway through the third before building their own double-digit lead at 58-46 after Achie Inigo, the smallest player on the court, grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on a putback.

The Main Man: Tolomia led FEU with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the game but it was a total team effort for the Tamaraws as they got crucial baskets from four players in the fourth quarter.

Honorable Mentions: Achie Inigo scored 12 points in the game with eight coming in the final quarter. RR Pogoy also played a good game with 14 points. Belo struggled on only 3 of 13 shooting from the field but he made the most important shot for his side and totaled eight point in the game.

Game Turning Point: With their lead slashed down to just three points, Belo once again made the biggest shot for FEU as he attacked the defense and scored a layup with 44.6 seconds left to give the Tamaraws a 73-68 lead. NU had multiple chances of getting closer and even tying the ball game but the five-point lead Belo gave FEU held strong until the final buzzer.

They Said It:

FEU head coach Nash Racela: I thank the Lord for the wisdom he gave us. It was the perfect place, perfect timing. Mac is not afraid to take the big shots. NU made good adjustments. In the fourth quarter they made consecutive stops. We were blessed that Mac delivered.

RR Pogoy: This is a blessing for me. Yung tao ko yung helper nila kay Belo kaya open palagi ako sa court.

The scores:

FEU 75: Tolomia 15, Pogoy 14, Alejandro 12, Jose 8, Belo 8, Hargrove 8, Dennison 5, Tamsi 3, Cruz 2, Escoto 0.

NU 70: Aroga 17, Alolino 14, Rosario 12, Khobuntin 9, Celda 7, Alejandro 3, Betayene 3, Javelona 3, Diputado 2, Neypes 0, Perez 0.

Quarters: 14-15, 35-38, 60-50, 75-70.