Photo by Jan Dizon
MANILA—After stringing three straight victories, a more confident La Salle hopes to keep its streak going when it disputes solo third against Adamson in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Saturday.
Although coach Dindo Pumaren cited his Green Archers improved play, he said his crew needs to watch out for the Falcons’ strong perimeter game in the 3 p.m. duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We just have to extend our defense because they (Falcons) are shooting well from the outside,” said Pumaren.
National University—which stunned the favored Adamson last Sunday—vies to end its first-round campaign with back-to-back wins versus the winless University of the East at 1 p.m.
“We have to really play our game against UE; we have to respect our opponent,” said NU coach Eric Altamarino as the Bulldogs gun for a third win in seven games.
Both La Salle and Adamson are tied at 3-2, behind unbeaten leader Ateneo (6-0) and Far Eastern University (4-2).
“I think we’re improving every game,” said Pumaren.
The Archers picked up three straight triumphs, the last an 87-63 pummeling of the Warriors, after opening their campaign with back-to-back losses.
LA Revilla has consistently led the Archers, but other guards like Simon Atkins and Jarelan Tampus have also emerged as key contributors in their recent wins.
The Falcons, though, had its own three-game run snapped by the Bulldogs, 63-56, last weekend as veterans like Alex Nuyles and Lester Alvarez struggled in the second half.
But for the Bulldogs, it only showed there’s more to their arsenal than just rookie star Ray Parks as new recruit Dennis Villamor nailed the clutch baskets to finish with 11 markers.
Over at the Blue Eagle Gym, the undefeated Junior Archers go for a sixth straight triumph versus the Baby Falcons (3-2) at 11 a.m. in juniors action.
The defending champion Blue Eaglets, running second at 4-1, tangle with the winless Junior Maroons (0-5) at 3 p.m.
Other matches pit the Bullpups (3-2) versus the Junior Warriors (0-5) at 9 a.m. and the Baby Tams (4-1) against the Tiger Cubs (2-3) at 1 p.m.
Badminton action also fires off at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall starting with three-time men’s champion UST battling NU at 9 a.m.