MONBERT Arong whispered a prayer, unloaded a jumper from the right corner and rejoiced as it found its mark in the last 3.7 seconds yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 5’11” Arong’s basket propelled the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws to a 57-56 triumph over the National University Bulldogs in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
The 21-year-old cager from Olango Island, Cebu said he had been mumbling the words from a Bible verse in the final minute, and this inspired him to score 60 percent from the three-point range, which was way above his usual 25 percent clip.
His winning shot came off a pass from Raymar Jose following an inbound and sent FEU to its sixth win in eight matches.
“God is kind to me. During the last few seconds I kept thinking of the Bible verse: I can do things for Christ who strengthens me. I was confident I would make the shot,” said Arong, who referred to the scripture found in Philippians 4:13. Peter Atencio
Jose showed the way with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Tams, who firmed up their hold of second spot behind the unbeaten La Salle Green Archers.
The Bulldogs, who dropped to fourth and share of a 4-4 slate with Ateneo, last enjoyed the upperhand following a split charity from Joshua Sinclair in the last 46.5 seconds.
The Bulldogs were beaten for the second time in five games by FEU. They kept possession following an interception play by Jess Diputado,
But FEU regained control of the ball when big man Ken Holmqvist intercepted Jay Alejandro’s pass to a teammate at the right side.
“Today, we focused on Alejandro. We took away some points from him. But Aroga became our problem,” said FEU coach Nash Racela.
Aroga, who norms 11 points and 8.3 rebounds, showed the way for NU with 22 points and 13 rebounds. But defensive plays from Russell Escoto, Holmqvist and Prince Orizu silenced Aroga in the final quarter.
Alejandro, who averages 12.7 points, was held to just seven points.
Games Wednesday
(at the MOA Arena)
2 p.m. Adamson vs UP
4 p.m. UST vs FEU