Tamaraws go for kill, Tigers fight to live in UAAP Finals
Game today:
Smart-Araneta
3:30 p.m. – FEU vs UST
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws go for the kill and the title today as they take on the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals series of the 78th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws are aiming to wrap things up and sweep the Tigers after taking Game 1, 75-64, earlier this week. A win today will give FEU their first collegiate title in a decade. The Tamaraws are already the most successful squad in the UAAP with 19 championships across their name.
After leading the Tamaraws in scoring with 15 in Game 1, Cebuano forward Roger Ray Pogoy is looking forward to donning the green and yellow jersey one last time in what he hopes will be a triumphant farewell. He got off to a fast start in the series-opener, scoring 10 points in the first period to set the tone for his team.
Mark Belo of FEU is double-teamed by UST’s Louie Vigil and Mario Bonleon in Game 1 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals last Wednesday.
(INQUIRER PHOTO)
He gave credit to the team’s unselfish ball movement for his torrid scoring start. “Siguro na libre lang jud ko kay nindot among ball movement,” said the athletic forward who hails from Talisay City and saw his career start with the University of Cebu.
Still, when push came to shove as UST rallied from 14 points down to take a slim lead down the stretch, Pogoy said that it was their defense and poise that eventually handed them the victory.
“Ang nakapadaug jud na kay ang among depensa. Wala mi na kulbaan kay kahibaw mi naa pay time and di pa human ang dula,” confessed the 6-foot-2 forward.
Still, the Tamaraws showed chinks in their armor, particularly their inability to protect the ball at times that led to some openings for the Tigers.
“Dapat ingat sa turnovers. Daghan mig turnover last game. Mag-ready mi sa full court press nila. Adto sila naka gukod. Tan-awon pa namo unsa ila adjustment para maka counter pud mi.”