FEU Tamaraws win UAAP Season 78 Men’s Basketball Title

After ten long years, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws are UAAP champions again after walloping the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 67-62 in their Game Three showdown on Wednesday at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

Mark Belo was named Finals MVP after finishing with 23 points and eight rebounds while Roger Pogoy contributed with 14 points and six rebounds in the title-clinching victory.

The Tamaraws charged back behind Roger Pogoy’s back-to-back baskets that trimmed UST’s lead to just two, 57-55. He also fired the cold-blooded three pointer that gave them a 61-60 lead with 1:27 minutes left in the game.

But Mac Belo’s free throw and crucial block on Ed Daquioag proved to be the turning point of the game. Belo’s free throw gave the Tamaraws a 65-62 advantage with 18.2 seconds remaining in the game.

Ed Daquioag’s lay-up attempt was swatted away by Belo on the next play. UST was left with no choice but to intentionally foul Russel Escoto who sealed the championship by converting his two pressure-packed charities.

Ed Daquioag paced the Growling Tigers with 21 points and four rebounds while Karim Abdul added 12 points and five rebounds. Game Two hero Kevin Ferrer ended up with 6 points and five rebounds.(PNA)