For 31 minutes, King Tamaraw Raymar Jose charged, battled, and tumbled.
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws were at the brink of ending their title defense bid. Just like in their second round encounter, the Ateneo Blue Eagles went on a third quarter surge, holding a 39-29 lead with 1:16 left.
But Raymar Jose did not want Saturday to be his last day in the UAAP.
“Para sa akin, yung puso ko ayaw pa magbakasyon eh. Gusto ko na kahit anong mangyayari, lalaban kami,” the 24-year-old exclaimed.
FEU’s skipper went beyond the call of duty, bruising his way into the paint to go to the line, battling Ateneo’s frontline for the rebound, and pounding his way for tip-ins. And during huddles, Jose took charge as well especially during crucial moments of the game.
“Unang-una sinabi ko sa kanila na magtulungan tayo, effort!”
“Kung ano sinasabi ni coach, sundin lang natin. Gusto ko walang maging selfish sa team, at gusto ko laban kahit anong mangyari,” the 6-foot-5 big man shared.
And he led by example. He finished the game with 20 points and a career-high 23 rebounds, nine points and 12 rebounds above his norms, in a performance for the ages.
“Siguro yung focus ko talaga, yung anong makakaya kong gawin sa loob, bibigay ko lang,” said Jose after giving a new lease of life to the FEU Tamaraws, taking a 62-61 win over the Blue Eagles.
“Last year ko na ngayon so kailangan ko mag-double effort, kahit triple pa. Todo bigay lang kasi gusto ko rin na babalik kami sa Finals.”
Jose will certainly feel the effects of a game like this come Sunday morning. His mind and, definitely, his heart though will be at ease knowing that he did everything in his power to fight with the Tamaraws for one more day.
