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By Jasmine W. Payo |Philippine Daily Inquirer

Battles for the rebound between Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo de Manila and Jeth Rosario of NU Bulldogs

MANILA, PhilippinesUntil the end, National University (NU) just proved too baffling for Ateneo de Manila University to figure out.

The Bulldogsthe only team Ateneo hasnt beaten in six games since last seasonstunned the No. 1 Blue Eagles yet again, salvaging a 65-63 decision in a huge Final Four shocker to advance to the UAAP mens basketball championship for the first time in 44 years on Wednesday at the packed Smart Araneta Coliseum.

When you look back two weeks ago, this was far-fetched, NU coach Eric Altamirano said after his No. 4 Bulldogs overcame the Eagles twice-to-beat semifinal advantage.

I have to give it to the boys. They refused to lose, they refused to give up. There were times in the game when we were already down, but they stay focused. They kept on fighting and stayed together, he added.

Far Eastern University (FEU), though, made sure there will be no upset in their own Final Four series as the No. 2 Tamaraws dethroned the La Salle Green Archers in another heart-stopping duel, 67-64, to nail the last title berth.

Stellar all season, Mac Belo again emerged as the hero for the Tamaraws , knocking in the game-winning triple at the buzzer to lead FEU back to the finals after three years.

With only 24 seconds left to execute the game-winner, FEUs ace guard Mike Tolomia ran out the game clock before dishing out the ball at the perfect time to Belo, who was waiting at the right corner.

FEU coach Nash Racela admitted it was actually a broken play for the Tamaraw, who nearly blew their twice-to-beat incentive after the Archers forged a knockout game with a 94-73 rout last Saturday.

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NU makes UAAP history, beats Ateneo, to face FEU in finals