Eagles out to extend hot streak vs Tigers in the UAAP
MANILA—Ateneo hopes to come up with another solid defensive effort a week after coming ominously close to a first loss in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
With their sweep bid still alive, the Blue Eagles gun for a ninth straight win against the University of Santo Tomas Tigers at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A victory will also clinch for the defending champions at least a playoff for a Final Four berth.
“One good thing about our team is that even if our offense is not really clicking well, we continue to play defense,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.
While Ateneo pulled off a thrilling comeback versus Far Eastern U in overtime, 74-67, last weekend, rival La Salle fell short in its own rally for a 66-68 heartbreaker against Adamson.
But the Green Archers, sharing the fourth spot with the Tigers at 4-4, aim to bounce back against the hard-luck University of the East in the first game at 1 p.m.
A spate of injuries the past weeks hit La Salle’s key cogs, including main man LA Revilla, who played limited minutes in his last outing due to a recurring illness.
Skipper Simon Atkins (head injury) and Joshua Webb (viral infection) also missed the Archers’ last game.
“We had three players in the hospital, but they’re all doing better now,” said La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren. “They all joined our recent practice, so we expect them to be back.”
Revilla, who was sidelined for two years due to diabetes, had a recent bout with his health that saw his numbers dip to 6.2 points in the last four games.
“LA is a fighter, but of course his health is our main concern,” said Pumaren.
Guards Almond Vosotros and Jarelan Tampus and rookie big man Norbert Torres have been carrying the load for the Archers, who are aiming for a repeat of their 87-63 first-round rout of the Warriors.
The Tigers, who lost to the Eagles, 53-66, in the first round, are banking on Jeric Fortuna, Jeric Teng and center Karim Abdul.
Abdul delivered his best performance yet with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the Tigers’ triumph over the Maroons, 77-70, last Sunday.
agles out to extend hot streak vs Tigers By Jasmine W. Payo ATENEO hopes to come up with another solid defensive effort a week after coming ominously close to a first loss in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament. With their sweep bid still alive, the Blue Eagles gun for a ninth straight win against the University of Santo Tomas Tigers at 3 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A victory will also clinch for the defending champions at least a playoff for a Final Four berth. “One good thing about our team is that even if our offense is not really clicking well, we continue to play defense,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. While Ateneo pulled off a thrilling comeback versus Far Eastern U in overtime, 74-67, last weekend, rival La Salle fell short in its own rally for a 66-68 heartbreaker against Adamson. But the Green Archers, sharing the fourth spot with the Tigers at 4-4, aim to bounce back against the hard-luck University of the East in the first game at 1 p.m. A spate of injuries the past weeks hit La Salle’s key cogs, including main man LA Revilla, who played limited minutes in his last outing due to a recurring illness. Skipper Simon Atkins (head injury) and Joshua Webb (viral infection) also missed the Archers’ last game. “We had three players in the hospital, but they’re all doing better now,” said La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren. “They all joined our recent practice, so we expect them to be back.” Revilla, who was sidelined for two years due to diabetes, had a recent bout with his health that saw his numbers dip to 6.2 points in the last four games. “LA is a fighter, but of course his health is our main concern,” said Pumaren.Guards Almond Vosotros and Jarelan Tampus and rookie big man Norbert Torres have been carrying the load for the Archers, who are aiming for a repeat of their 87-63 first-round rout of the Warriors.
The Tigers, who lost to the Eagles, 53-66, in the first round, are banking on Jeric Fortuna, Jeric Teng and center Karim Abdul. Abdul delivered his best performance yet with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the Tigers’ triumph over the Maroons, 77-70, last Sunday.
