FAR EASTERN University expects Ateneo to get back into the groove as the Tamaraws shoot for the early solo lead in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament today at Mall of Asia Arena.
“People haven’t been talking much about Ateneo [as a top contender], but I think they’re in the top two,” said FEU coach Nash Racela.
“They have the talent, the only difference is they’re a smaller team this year. But when you’re smaller, it doesn’t mean you’re weaker. What’s scary about Ateneo is the [winning] culture and the oneness that they have.”
Under the radar in the preseason, the Tamaraws go for back-to-back wins in the 4 p.m. match against a Blue Eagles squad out to avoid sinking into a 0-2 hole.
La Salle and University of the Philippines, meanwhile, try to pick up a first victory in their 2 p.m. battle.
While the Tamaraws stunned preseason favorite University of the East, 89-78, in the opener, the Eagles kicked off their bid for a sixth straight title with a shock loss to National University, 54-64.
For most of the game, the Eagles looked miserable minus Kiefer Ravena, the star guard who hardly saw action due to a sprained ankle.
“What’s important is we find a way to be more aggressive and to play without feeling any baggage [from the loss],” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol. “Just play the way we should play it.”
Ravena also vowed to be in better shape. “We can’t dwell too much on this [loss to NU] because we’re only 0-1,” said Ravena. “We have to focus on FEU, which played a great first game. I’m sure to play [today].”
The Tamaraws, indeed, looked terrific as Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia’s stellar outings quelled criticisms on their selfish plays.
“I’ll try to be consistent and to involve my teammates more,” said Romeo, who flirted with a triple-double against the Warriors with 23 points, nine rebounds and half of the Tamaraws’ 24 assists.
La Salle, with forward Jason Perkins proving to be a rookie to watch, hopes to recover from its overtime loss to University of Santo Tomas, 58-63, while UP tries to bounce back from a 67-79 defeat to Adamson.