Far Eastern University head coach Olsen Racela emphasized two simple things in their game against National University which propelled them to a 59-57 win last April 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It all boiled down to trusting the system and the team showing great character when it mattered the most.
Xyrus Torres draining a triple with 2.2 seconds left was the main picture in the last play but teamwork made the dream work behind the scenes for the Tamaraws.
Emmanuel Ojuola initially had a crucial steal off an NU fastbreak play before Torres missed his first three-point attempt.
Ljay Gonzales secured an offensive rebound, attracted the defense, and found Torres on the same spot for the win.
"They stuck with the system, they trusted the coaches. We trusted them," said Racela. "And 'yon nga, si Ljay trusted Xyrus and hit that three-pointer so it was all about trust for us and definition of our character in thsi game. Talagang magagamit namin itong panalo na 'to moving forward."
After halftime, the PBA legend never wavered in reminding his wards what was needed to be done. What was remarkable for the long-time FEU coach is how his players continued to follow the system.
In such situation, given the skillset Gonzales and RJ Abarrientos have -- the Tamaraws' ultimate backcourt duo -- Racela said the two guards could have called the shots on the floor on their own.
Then again, the Tamaraws, seeking that much-needed victory, carried on and used a strong fourth quarter surge to fend off the Bulldogs.
"We trusted each other. We defended in the second half. We limited our turnovers. And 'yon 'yon," said Racela. "Minsan sa UAAP, talagang you just hang on at hopefully dikit lang at hopefully in the end you get that victory.
"So kami with that shot of Xyrus 'yon ang nagpapanalo samin but again 'yong character nila not giving up and trusting one another is very important for us," he added.
Gonzales and Torres echoed their mentor's sentiments as the latter admitted he wasn't expecting for the ball to shoot.
Fortunately, Gonzales had good sights on the floor and found the sophomore sharpshooter on the right wing wide open once more.
"'Yon lang naman lagi ko sinasabi ko sa kanila na once na magpe-penetrate sila, libre lang ako," said Torres, who finished with 16 points built on four triples. "Kung libre ako, edi ready lang ako lagi."
With the win, FEU saw itself in a three-way tie with NU and Adamson at fourth place with a 4-6 record.