Far Eastern University coach Nash Racela initially wanted to celebrate his 44th birthday on November 30 as a UAAP champion.
The Tamaraws dismantled the University of Santo Tomas in Game One of the finals, and the coach had hoped they would be able to close it out on Game Two, which fell on November 28.
The series, however, was extended as Kevin Ferrer exploded for UST to force the winner-take-all, which was scheduled two days after Racela's birthday.
Well, better late than never, as the Tams bounced back on Game Three and finally took the championship title for their beloved coach.
"Etong si Mike (Tolomia) texted me the other day," Racela told reporters after his team fashioned out a 67-62 victory on Wednesday. "'Coach. happy birthday. Sa Wednesday na lang gift mo.'"
He said his other players also said the same thing along with their well-wishes, and he could not ask for more as they kept their promise and gave their all to win the crown.
"This is a good gift from my players. It's something that they guaranteed. They delivered, and I'm really thankful sa kanila," he said.
The championship was Racela's first for FEU since taking over in Season 76, settling for a second runner-up and first runner-up finish in his first and second years as head coach.
It was also the Tam's first title in 10 years and the school's 20th title overall in the history of the UAAP. —JST, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com,
