MANILA, Philippines – Mac Belo nailed a buzzer-beating triple from the corner to lift Far Eastern University to a nail-biting 67-64 win over La Salle to forge a finals showdown with National University in the 77th UAAP men's basketball tourney at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
With the game tied 64-all and 24.4 ticks left, Mike Tolomia was set to take the heroic role but passed off at the last second to a wide-open Belo, who beat the buzzer and sent the FEU bench and supporters to a frenzy.
FEU coach Nash Racela credited Tolomia for making that perfect extra pass.
"It was really designed for Mike Tolomia but in the end he made the most important decision of his basketball career. ‘Di niya pinilit, he saw an open Mac Belo at pinasa niya," said Racela regarding the last play.
Racela also praised Belo for his gallant play that also included a triple with 1:05 left to give FEU a 64-61 lead heading into the home stretch. Nevertheless, he singled out Tolomia for giving stressing to the value of teamwork.
"He (Belo) made the biggest shot of the ballgame, but what's commendable was another guy made the pass. It’s a team game," he said.
Belo finished with 23 markers, including 12 in the fourth quarter, while Tolomia added 14 points to lead the Morayta-based squad to its first trip the finals since 2011.
Belo shared his experience with the last play in the post-game press conference, admitting he knew he was about to get the ball.
"Sabi ni coach sa corner lang talaga ako. Nung nakita si Mike na inubos na oras, nakita ko na ipapasa niya sakin. Ayun, tsamba," said Belo
"Unforgettable yung moment. Sobrang blessed ako sa last shot na yun. Dine-dedicate ko kay God yun," he added.
Jeron Teng led the dethroned Archers with 13 points while Jason Perkins and Arnold Van Opstal added 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
The Tamaraws will engage the Bulldogs, who earlier ousted Ateneo 65-63, in the finals that will kick off Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. It will be the first UAAP finals match-up since 1992 that does not involve either La Salle or Ateneo.