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Another 'RR' stepping up at the right time for FEU

RR Pogoy steps up as NU's defense wasn't paying much attention to him. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

An “RR” continues to make a name for himself for Far Eastern U. And it's not former league MVP Ryan Roose Garcia.

Roger Ray Pogoy stole the thunder from his more heralded teammates, ace wingman Mac Belo and top guard Mike Tolomia, on Saturday, powering the Tamaraws to a thrilling 75-70 victory over the National U Bulldogs to move a win away from clinching the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball crown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Hardly a factor in the first 20 minutes of action, the 6-foot-2 Pogoy showed up with fire in his eyes after the break as he provided the needed spark in their telling run in the third canto, accounting for 10 of the team’s 25 points that helped FEU build enough of a cushion against NU and seize control for good.

Pogoy, 22, admitted he just wanted to make his Bulldog defenders pay big time for leaving him wide open time and again, notably from the corner.

“Tine-take advantage ko lang talaga kasi ‘yung tao ko helper nila Mike and Mac like (Kyle) Neypes and Glenn Khobuntin. Sila talaga ‘yung naghe-help ‘pag duma-drive sila (Tolomia and Belo). Kaya open lang lagi ako sa corner,” said the fourth-year forward who is taking up Sports and Recreation Management course.

A proud native of Cebu, Pogoy said he’s just determined to make his presence felt in the Tamaraws’ bid to snap a nine-year title drought, something he failed to do during his rookie year when FEU got swept by Ateneo for the Season 74 crown in 2011.

“Hindi ako masyadong nagagamit nu’n,” he said. “Nakikita lang talaga nila coach (Nash Racela) na nag-e-extra work ako sa practice kaya binibigyan nila ako ng lisensya tumira. Buti na lang at pumapasok ang mga tira ko.”

While Tolomia and Belo remain the team’s primary weapons offensively, Racela admitted Pogoy is “very valuable” in his rotation, along with unheralded guards Achie Inigo, Ron Dennison, Alfrancis Tamsi and center Raymar Jose.

Known only as Roger in his first three years in the league, Pogoy said being called "RR" has nothing to do with Garcia, who is now playing for Barako Bull in the pro ranks.

"'Yun lang talaga ang tawag sa akin sa Cebu. Du'n ako mas kilala talaga," he clarified.

Pogoy and the rest of the Tamaraws could clinch the school’s 20th men’s league title with another victory on Game 2 this Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.