Sports Special Sampaloc, ManilaVol. XIX No. 3 www.feuadvocate.net

After a decade filled with setbacks, controversies, heartbreaking losses, and bridesmaid finishes, the elusive golden hardware has finally made its’ way back to the gates of Morayta. December 2, 2015 is now marked as a monumental event in Philippine college basketball’s history books, as Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws finally ended the school’s ten-year title drought after emerging as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 Men’s Basketball Champions. FEU successfully worked their way up and pulled off the feat at the expense of the veteran-loaded squad of University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 67-62, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of their best-of-three affair at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Road to title no. 20 The championship victory served as a perfect punctuation for the Tamaraws this Season 78, which proved to be a roller-coaster ride for the young team. In the first round, the Tamaraws etched a 6-1 win-loss slate, posting victories against Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), 88-64; De La Salle University (DLSU), 93-79; University of the East (UE), 92-81; Adamson University (AdU), 64-60; University of the Philippines (UP), 75-58; and National University (NU), 61-59. They absorbed their only loss against UST, 72-71. The Tamaraws brought their groove to the second round, but suffered losses along the phase. After posting wins against ADMU (66-61), UP (68-57), and AdU (82-69), FEU bowed down against UST once more, 85-76. FEU tried to get back to the win column, but they dropped their game against NU, 70-68. The cagers finally grabbed win number 11 after edging DLSU, 71-68, that sent the latter out of Final Four contention and solidified the Tams’ second place spot. FEU ended the eliminations with an 11-3 record. FEU faced Ateneo in the Final Four with a precious twice-to-beat advantage, with everyone in the stands thinking that this series will go down the wire. It was a close affair all throughout, until another game-winning shot by Belo –this time a putback off a miss- with four-tenths of a second left ended Ateneo’s hopes and lifted FEU back to the Big Dance.

Then came the Finals series. FEU was pitted against UST, a match that every UAAP fan has dreamt of. In Game 1, the green-and-gold squad reigned victorious, 75-64, after overcoming a UST comeback late in the fourth quarter. However, in Game 2, the Growling Tigers fought to live another day, with Ferrer spearheading the pack with his 29 points, 24 in the third quarter, to come out on top 62-56. Then, Game 3 happened. After which, the school has rejoiced, for the curse has finally been broken. The decade-long spell has finally been solved by the team christened as the “Be Brave 16.” The refurbishment of the program spearheaded by Racela back in 2013 has finally bore fruit. “Others say its redemption, but for me it’s a breakthrough sa [for the] basketball program ng [of] FEU,” said Racela, on FEU winning it all this year. “A lot of people have doubted FEU. A lot of people say a lot of negative things about FEU. But I think we just showed today that it’s not true. Kung ano man iniisip nila [Whatever they think] about us, it’s not true.” “I’m really proud of them because they [players] represented the school well,” he added.

Do or dieUST opened up the first quarter action with an 11-7 start-up midway, with Abdul leading the pack with four points. However, FEU, behind mostly Belo and Tolomia, charged upon the Growling Tigers by exploding on offense to climb back into the game and end the quarter lagging by just a point, 19-18. A tight contest took place in the second quarter, as both teams took turns in gaining leads. With UST up 28-24 in the 3:57 mark, FEU came back with six straight points capped by a Belo three-point play to lead, 30-28. The

Growling Tigers, however, sank a pair of split free throws from Karim Abdul and Lee to go into the halftime with the score all tied up at 30. The third canto

started with a 30-all deadlock and led to both squads e x c h a n g i n g baskets. From

Decade of drought endedTamaraws reign supreme in Season 78; cop 20th title

By Eryl Justine L. Bacnis

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Photos by Franchesca Nicole R. CollantesLayout by Johanna Alexaxndra Marie G. de Jesus

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Tamaraws reign supreme... from page 1

a slim 35-34 lead, the Tams widened the gap as Francis Tamsi, Belo, Tolomia, and Pogoy caught fire in the offensive to establish the game’s biggest lead, 51-41, with 1:28 left. UST closed out the frame with five straight points to inch further, 51-46. FEU owned a five-point, 51-46 advantage in the final frame, but inadvertently committed defensive lapses that led UST to capitalize and produce a 13-2 run behind Ed Daquioag, Louie Vigil, and Marvin Lee to grab the lead, 59-53, with 4:27 left. The Tamaraws, from the deficit, made their own 10-1 scoring spree behind Achie Inigo, Roger Pogoy, and Mike Tolomia to erase the España-based cagers’ advantage and regain the upper hand, 63-60, with 1:01 remaining on the clock. A Daquioag lay-up made it 63-62, and UST gave up fouls to send FEU to the line and stop the clock. However, the Tams converted four out of six charities by Tolomia, Mark Belo, and Russel Escoto to widen the lead, 67-62, with 11.4 seconds left. Kevin Ferrer, who emerged as UST’s Game 2 hero for firing 24 points in just the third quarter of the said match, launched two three-pointers to try to initiate a comeback, but both of his shots missed its’ target as the buzzer sounded. “My initial reaction was just to be thankful to the Lord, for it is a hard fought game,” said FEU Head Coach Nash Racela moments after FEU captured their 20th title in team history. The Finals victory means a lot for the soft-spoken head think-tank, as he is the one who has finally broken the decade of gloom in Morayta. Then, the confetti showered and covered the whole playing court. The Tamaraws have finally claimed the crown after a ten-year title drought. FEU is back in the pinnacle of college basketball. Belo led the Tamaraws with 23 points and 8 rebounds, earning him the Finals’ Most Valuable Player plum. Roger Pogoy contributed 14 points

and six boards, while Tolomia added 13 and dished three dimes.

Celebration of victory

A victory party inside FEU-Manila’s campus took place last December 9 to celebrate the team’s championship run, which is a perfect way to pay back to the players who gave their all in winning the ultimate prize. FEU main campus was once again a sea of gold as the Tamaraw’s lair accommodated approximately 20,000 students, alumni, and visitors. Encapsulated in the said event was a motorcade of the FEU-MBT, sponsor’s booth for giveaways within the campus, meet-and-greet of the athletes to the season-ticket holders, and a thanksgiving mass. The victory party was hosted by FEU Courtside Reporter Ganiel Krishnan together with the ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Jorge Cariño. Sponge Cola was the event’s main act as they performed their hit songs to hype the crowd up. Despite being unrecognized by the University, a street party organized by alumni and groups of students from FEU such as H-Lane Autoclub, Pilipinas Underground, and other anonymous organization prepared their own victory party along R. Papa Street. Aside from Disc Jockeys who were invited in the street celebration, ABS-CBN comedian Vice Ganda, an FEU alumnus was also seen in the R.Papa Gym to show support for the FEU-MBT. After a long time, the town is now painted green and gold. After years of sufferings, the time has come for every Tamaraw to savor one victorious moment. The glory days are back in the Tamaraws’ den.

Anne Nicole B. NiangarINCHIC

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Just recently, the whole Tamaraw horde was in a festive mood as the much-awaited victory party rocked the whole campus. A celebration like this is deserved by the FEU-MBT. Point is, if these athletes can receive such treatment, then why can’t other teams that also compete in the UAAP who bag gold medals have the same amount of support? The celebration kicked off with a meet-and-greet session at Cafe Alfredo in the Alfredo Reyes Hall (ARH), followed by a motorcade around the university belt. And, a thanksgiving mass took place in the University Chapel, which led to the party itself. Fireworks were blown out in sync with the “We Are the Champions” song by Queen. Sponge Cola closed the celebration out with various songs which hyped the whole crowd. It was a truly sweet celebration for the whole green-and-gold community, despite the event itself committing lapses. It was a memorable one, since the last time a championship parade occurred in Morayta was 10 years ago. The admiration of the people for the Men’s Basketball Team especially now that they are crowned champions is always and will always be on top form. The most likely reason is that Filipinos eat and breathe basketball, and every time a team tickles the fancy of people, the fan mode within rises and switches to “on”. But in the collegiate ranks, one cannot help but wonder why it is only the college cagers that receive such treatment whenever they bring home the bacon. It is not about bashing nor taking away the credit from the Men’s Basketball squad. A celebration like this is deserved by them. However on the other side, football, track and field, and chess teams have a rich history in the collegiate ranks, too. This Season 78, these teams will be defending their respective crowns which they won last year. If ever they become successful in retaining the title, there would be no other way to celebrate their achievements by hosting another victory party. People are clamoring for such, because credit should be given to where it is due. Basketball is not the only sport that the University has. FEU has teams and players competing not only in local shores but overseas as well. These athletes give their all in every competition they are in. A party in their honor will be the best way to express the Tamaraw community’s support to them.This will definitely highlight each and every team’s achievements, and will create all of the squads equal with each other -- with all of them having a fair share in the spotlight.

What’s next?After a drought that lasted for a decade, the University’s wish for a championship saga to come and grace the campus grounds has finally been granted—big thanks to the basketball gods that answered our prayers we have been asking for years. Indeed, 2015 is the Year of the Tamaraw. But after this victory, what’s next? We can celebrate in any way we want. We can now finally tell ourselves that we, who were just there either in the arena or at home spectating, are also champions. The title is for the whole community. But just a reminder to the Tamaraw faithful: please do not expect too much from the squad. The team may have won this year’s plum, but there is no assurance that our team can make it again next year, or build a dynasty that makes championship parties almost an annual thing. Again, expectations for the team should be kept low. You might be intrigued why

such stance is being spoken out. But take this piece as something that can enlighten. Take this piece as the door to acceptance. We have to accept that the rebuilding process starts right after the UAAP season. That fast. Analyze deep, and you’ll realize that six players just had Game 3 of the Finals as their last game playing in the league. Those six players -- Mark Belo, Mike Tolomia, Russel Escoto, Roger Pogoy, Achie Inigo, and Francis Tamsi-- are the core of the Tamaraws. And with their departure, it is the time to look for other six players that has the potential to fill up the void. Phil ippine Collegiate Champions League. Fr. Martin Cup. PBA D-League stints by most of the

players. Pocket tournaments around the country. FilOil Pre-season Cup. Now that UAAP is over, the mentioned leagues will be the training ground for the young guns to earn a spot in the roster. In these tourneys prior to FilOil, expect to see less minutes of the six players leaving, and more of the youngbloods. Expect them to have lapses in playing. But, of course, the hardships they will face will only make them better. Just be patient, fellow Tams. Let us not pressure the younger players to win right away. Let us not judge them if they come up short in some games. Let them learn. As Head Coach Nash Racela insists, let them play the right way. But for now, all we can say is congratulations to the whole squad. You made us very proud. Back to business, as usual.

How far do you think the Tamaraws will tread after this historic championship campaign? Share your thoughts at justinebacnis@gmail.com

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” –Muhammad Ali Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) slugged it out in the best-of-three championship, their finals history goes way back…way, way back. The last time they tangoed in the Last Dance of the UAAP was in 1979. None of the players were even born yet. Martial Law in the country was still in full effect. Justin Bieber had nothing on Rod Stewart. And like a lilt in a poem, history makes sports stories sing. This time, the Tamaraws were the ones who hit the higher note. As a fan of college basketball, I have observed how these players experienced the pain of a continues

ChamFEUns

heartbreak for 10 long years -- and the maturity that came with it that taught them the kind of love that repeatedly broke their heart is also the one that made them feel grateful of this season’s championship. From your ever valiant legions, thank you, FEU-Men’s Basketball Team, for being a constant source of pride and for fighting until the very end with every ounce of passion and might. We are all hungry for that elusive championship, and when you knew that you have given your all despite the odds and doubts, until the very last drop of sweat and

tear, down to hearing that final buzzer declaring our championship…and when everything has been said and done, really, what more can the green-and-gold community ask for? Know that today and as always, we are one in charging with you, both in victory and in defeat. You have shown so much heart since day 1, so what’s our excuse not to? Again, thank you for giving out a the good fight. Thank you for making us realize how honored and privileged we are to be a Tamaraw. You have given us another reason to be proud of our “chamFEUn horns”. And I am hearing the call of wearing that championship shirt as I ramp along the University belt because I just can’t hide this Tamaraw pride.

Without any doubt, our gold shines the brightest. ChamFEUns, let me hear you charge at riveranikky@gmail.com.

Mark Belo, Forward From a promising rookie with a lanky built way back in Season 75, the North Cotabato native displayed his brand of basketball on the court the following season, in Season 76. Come Season 77, through his stellar play that made everyone buzz about him being PBA-ready, his name was thrown into the Most Valuable Player conversation. But this Season 78, despite the drop in his performance, Belo felt more complete sans the season MVP award. Belo has himself vindicated, of course by winning the ultimate prize and the Finals MVP plums.

It has been a week after the team won the championship. Has it sunk into you?“Yes, umpisa pa lang ng pagkapanalo namin talagang doon palang may championship hangover pa rin hanggang ngayon.”

What does the Finals MVP award mean for you?“Malaki syempre, nakakatuwa. Pero siguro nagkataon lang na maganda yung game ko. But teamwork ‘yung nagpapanalo sa amin and talagang lahat ay nagcontribute. Not only me or Mike or Roger, it’s all about the team.”

How does it feel to be a champion?“Masaya, sobra!”

Now that you have played your final game as a Tamaraw, what legacy would you like people to remember you for?“Maalala nila na itong pagkapanalo ko, itong champion na binigay namin para sa kanila. So, ‘yun ‘yung malaking tulong na maibabalik din namin sa kanila kasi matindi din ‘yung effort na binigay nila for the team.”

Mike Tolomia, Guard He was mostly known as the third guard in the squad during the Terrence Romeo-RR Garcia era. But the former Baby Tamaraw achieved something that the two UAAP MVPs did not, and that is winning a title for FEU before graduating in college.

It has been a week after the team won the championship. Has it sunk in to you?“Oo, pero actually hanggang ngayon parang damang-dama ko pa rin yung championship.”

What can you say about your contribution to the team?“More on naging leader ako, kasi yun naman talaga kailangan para manalo sa championship. Talagang kailangang may maglead.”

Now that you have played your final game as a Tamaraw, what legacy would you like people to remember about?“Sobrang blessed na sa huling taon ko nakapag-champion, so ‘yun na siguro ‘yung maiiwan ko sa FEU na talaga na sigurado akong matatandaan.”

With your playing years all used up, what are your plans after serving FEU? “[PBA] D-League muna bago sa Draft.”

By FEU Advocate Sports

Teams, from the players down to the coaches, deserve all the credit whenever their season concludes with a magical championship victory. But, there are players who stood above from the rest and left lasting imprints into the minds of those who witnessed their success. As for the newly-crowned University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champions, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, veterans such as Mark Belo, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, and Ron Dennison are those who rose to the occasion. Their efforts eventually paid off and

gave FEU their 20th title after a decade of sorrows. Weeks after their historic win, the aforementioned players shared their thoughts on what the golden run means, how the sweet victory felt,

and what their future endeavors will be after updating their resumes with “champion” labeled into their names.

Roger Pogoy, Guard/Forward He was always dubbed as the team’s “Super Sub” with the way he played from the eliminations to the Final Four. But in their Finals series against University of Santo Tomas, he showed that he’s more than just being the team’s best sixth man, as he was inserted into the starting lineup to provide the necessary spark early in the games. Pogoy as a starter paid off well for the Tamaraws, as his offensive exploits especially from downtown sent FEU back on top of the UAAP.

How does it feel to be a champion?“Sobrang sarap kasi five years ako sa FEU, ngayon lang ako nag-champion tapos last year ko pa.

What can you say about your contribution to the team?“Sa’kin siguro yung pagiging team leader. Dinala ko sila, even though last 3 minutes ng game ‘di ba lumamang na yung UST, sinasabihan ko sila na “‘di tayo mag-give up, kaya natin ‘to” tapos ayon.”

Now that you have played your final game as a Tamaraw, what legacy would you like people to remember about? “Siguro yung di nila makakalimutan kung ano ‘yung

binigay namin sa kanila [championship title].”

With your playing years all used up, what are your plans after serving FEU? “Mag D-League tapos magpa-draft this coming August sa PBA, sabay-sabay kami.”

Ron Dennison, Guard/Forward The Cebuano guard is the most unlikely hero for the Tamaraws right from the eliminations down to the Finals. However, it is not his signature one-handed floaters that made him well known, but rather his menacing, in-your-face defense plus mind games against the opposing team’s best player. His style of play is what made him known better, especially

among the Tamaraw horde. What can you say about your contribution to the team? “Depensa talaga dala ko. Kada ipapasok ako ni coach, ayun lang gagawin ko.”

How does it feel every time you defend the other team’s best player successfully?“‘Yung feeling na ma-stop ko sila, lalo akong lumalakas. Lalo na ‘pag naaasar ko sila, sinasabi ko “Ah wala na ‘to.” Doon ako lalo lumalakas.”

How does it feel to be a champion?“Sob rang saya kas i wo r th i t l aha t

ng sak r i p i s yo .”

What does this win mean for you?” “Sobrang memorable. Sa buong buhay ko, ibang klase ‘to. Parang hindi ko makakalimutan ‘to hanggang pagtanda.”

Photos by Raymond S. de Dios and Franchesca Nicole R. CollantesLayout by Johanna Alexaxndra Marie G. de Jesus