INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines ? Ateneo aims to complete a Final Four upset against University of Santo Tomas in UAAP juniors basketball when the two clash in a do-or-die match Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Eaglets won 72-66 last Saturday setting up a rubber match against the Cubs, who hold the twice-to-beat advantage in their semis pairing. Game 2 is scheduled at 2p.m.

La Salle Zobel booked the first finals slot after toppling Far Eastern U, 86-69, also last Saturday.

"We cannot rely on talent alone, we really have to push more on our defense," said Cubs coach Allan Ascue, noting lessons learned from their loss to the Eaglets.

Ascue admitted they feel some pressure although he said not as much as the Eaglets, who are looking to face rivals Junior Archers and successfully defend their title.

"We will also definitely not rely on our three-point shots and instead make shots from every corner of the court,? Ascue said. ?We cannot afford to get tired this time.?

Ateneo coach Jamike Jarin is looking to steal another game from UST. "We have to take outside shots and control the boards," said Jarin.

The Eaglets will again depend on go-to guy Kiefer Ravena who led Ateneo with 27 points in their previous game. On the other hand, the Cubs will rely on scorers Kyle Neypes and Cedrick Labing-isa.