La Salle chasers FEU, NU in duel for solo 2nd
MOVING to within two games of a team that has turned the UAAP into its own playground may not seem much, but it is strong enough of a motivation for Far Eastern University and National U when they face off today.
The defending champion Tamaraws and the Bulldogs will go at each other’s throats to end the first round of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball with the goal of moving to solo second beyond rampaging leader La Salle.
“I think the game is crucial because we’re [in] the same position,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “I think if there’s any value to the game, I guess that’s it.”
The two teams clash at 4 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena, right after the 2 p.m. showdown between an Adamson squad looking to rebound from two straight losses and University of Santo Tomas.
The Tamaraws and the Bulldogs have four victories and two losses and the winner will move within two games of the Green Archers, who logged a 7-0 sweep of the first round.
“They’re (Tamaraws) capable of beating anybody and have shown that they can also beat the top team,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “We just have to play better than how we played last time out.”
The Bulldogs teetered on the brink of disaster against University of the Philippines before a technical foul was slapped on the Maroons’ Andrew Harris, enabling the 2014 champions to pull away for good in the closing minutes en route to an 80-69 win.
“We’re a young team and we expect these things to happen,” said Altamirano. “It’s good that from these experience, we could learn something.”
Matt Salem has become a steady force in offense while Altamirano is also expecting consistency from starters J-Jay Alejandro, Rev Diputado, Alfred Aroga and Reggie Morido.
“NU is a very tough team. They have balance defensively and offensively,” said Racela. “They’re known for their defense but they’re offense is really good as well. It will be a challenge.”
FEU will turn to Allen Trinidad, Raymar Jose, Monbert Arong, Richard Escoto.
Adamson hopes it had learned its lesson from its previous defeat against UE when the Falcons face the Tigers.
“Right now, with all the media attention we’re getting, I just hope they’re not succumbing to pressure,” said Adamson coach Franz Pumaren.
The Warriors registered their first victory of the season at the expense of the Falcons (3-3) while the Tigers want to rise from a poor 2-4 record.
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