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jay Gonzales hit the big shots in overtime as Far Eastern University toppled defending champion Ateneo, 66-61, in overtime in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Tied at 59-all in OT with both teams struggling to score, Gonzales came through with back-to-back stepback jumpers to give the Tamaraws a 63-59 cushion with 35.2 seconds to go.
“I trust myself that I can shoot the ball because coach Denok (Miranda) also trusts me. I didn’t think about anything but to shoot the mall because coach reminded us that we have to make our shots during [crucial] possessions,” said Gonzales in Filipino.
Xyrus Torres then sank two free throws for a 65-59 lead with 23.5 ticks left to put the game away for good after the Blue Eagles forced extra session after going on an 18-3 surge late in the fourth quarter.
