Monbert Arong keys FEU win as Tamaraws force do-or-die vs Eagles

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Monbert Arong and Raymar Jose came up big in the fourth quarter to rally Far Eastern University (FEU) past second seed Ateneo de Manila, 62-61, and force a do-or-die game in the semifinals of UAAP 79 men’s basketball Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The duo delivered down the stretch as they conspired for a 21-4 run that allowed the defending champion Tamaraws to claw back from a 10-point deficit against the Eagles.

Jose dominated on both ends during the pivotal fourth period to finish with 20 points and 23 big rebounds.

Arong made up for a sluggish first half by providing FEU the finishing kick, scoring most of his points in the final minute to tally 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.

Arong said each of his shots during the dying minutes felt like a prayer answered.

“Always pag nakakashoot ako palagi kong sinasabi ‘to God be the Glory.’ Kaya siguro confident ako. Credit din po sa teammates ko at coaches ko,” he said.

“Ayaw ko pang magbakasyon eh. Kahit anong mangyari lalaban talaga kami,” said the King Tamaraw.

It was the first time FEU beat Ateneo this season after two losses in the elimination round.

Tamaraws coach Nash Racela said it wasn’t easy to stop the Eagles especially after a shaky third quarter, which saw FEU fall behind by as many as 10 points.

“I remember during the quarter break myself telling the players, the whole bench, not to break down,” he said. “It was hard during the third quarter, there were a lot of questionable calls, halos bumigay na kami.”

“Buti na lang they accepted the challenge. Monbert finally played well, I mean the whole team was really ready to pitch in.”

The Tamaraws made one last push midway the fourth period when Arong and Jose instigated the run. Arong’s jumper off a defensive board by the Jose gave FEU a 57-55 lead with 1:25 to go.

FEU started piling the points when Thirdy Ravena reeled off a couple of desperate threes to bring Ateneo within 60-58. His effort proved futile as Ron Dennison sank a couple of free throws to secure the win.

The Tamaraws and the Eagles will square off on Wednesday to earn the right to face the De La Salle Green Archers in the finals.

Box scores

FEU 62 – Jose 20, Arong 13, Orizu 9, Comboy 8, Dennison 6, Inigo 4, Tuffin 2, Escoto 0, Trinidad 0, Ebona 0, Holmqvist 0, Nunag 0, Bayquin 0, Denila 0

Ateneo 61 – Black 11, Ravena 10, Asistio 9, Go 8, Verano 7, Ikeh 5, Nieto Mi 4, Nieto Ma 3, Wong 2, Porter 2, Tolentino 0

Quarter scores: 10-10, 23-20, 35-42, 62-61

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