ARVIN Tolentino’s UAAP career came to a sad end on Sunday after Far Eastern University bowed to Ateneo in the Season 81 Final Four at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Just a few days removed from hitting a game-winner that took La Salle out of the Final Four and gave Far Eastern University the last ticket to the Final Four, the Tamaraws fell behind early and never recovered, 80-61, against the Blue Eagles.
“Mixed emotions kasi last game namin, not the way that we want to end our UAAP careers. But of course, we will take it. It is what it is,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino only had four points and three rebounds as the Tamaraws struggled to handle the onslaught of the top-seed Blue Eagles, who will now wait for the winner of the Adamson-University of the Philippines series.
Tolentino said Ateneo simply played great defense against them.
“Nakita ko si Thirdy [Ravena] bumabantay (sa akin) and not the big guys. Overall, they played great defense sa buong laro not just on me but the whole team. Kudos to Ateneo for playing well,” said Tolentino.
Incidentally, Tolentino played his first two seasons in college at Ateneo after suiting up for San Beda in high school. He later saluted not just the FEU community but also Ateneo fans in his farewell game in the UAAP.
“I hope na I made the FEU community proud, I made my teammates proud, and my coaches proud. Of course, I was with Ateneo. I hope proud din ang Ateneo sa akin.”
“Gusto ko magpasalamat sa FEU community for supporting us all the way. In my two years sa FEU, sila ‘yung parang nagbibigay ng energy sa akin. Of course, I was with Ateneo for two years. They also cheered for me before. Thankful din ako sa kanila but most especially siyempre sa FEU community,” Tolentino said.
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