Cruz, Tams march to OT win over Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines – Carl Cruz delivered in the clutch and led FEU to a 74-70 overtime victory against NU at the start of the second round in the 77th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Cruz, a graduating veteran, nailed the game-tying basket at the end of the regulation to force the extra period, wherein he scored an additional five points.

FEU coach Nash Racela also cited some of his players for stepping up when the team needed them most.

"We have a lot of unsung heroes, sila (Carl) Cruz, (Roger) Pogoy, Achie (Inigo). They consistently deliver for us," said Racela.

"If you look at the stats, the numbers may not show but they bring a lot of intangibles to our team," he added.

Mac Belo scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Cris Tolomia added 18 points, seven boards and five assists for the Morayta-based squad.

With the victory, the Tamaraws improved their record to 6-2 (win-loss) to take the solo second spot behind Ateneo.

"We emphasized to the boys how important this game is, against a Final Four team. We knew NU made its adjustments and we really expected a close game today," Racela continued.

"In the end our players delivered. Pero pag nakita mo yung itsura nila parang gusto na nila bumigay pero they still delivered," he further said.

Belo sealed the win when he iced two clutch free throws with 6.4 ticks left in the overtime period to give FEU the final lead.

Gelo Alolino had the chance to win the game in regulation but missed badly in his turn-around jumper on top of the key at the buzzer.

Alfred Aroga paced the Bulldogs with 17 points while Troy Rosario and Alolino chipped in 14 apiece.

NU dropped to solo fourth place with a 5-3 slate.