Tamaraws target first Final 4 slot vs Falcons

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University hopes to do away with complacency when it shoots for the first Final Four berth against winless Adamson in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“From day one we’ve been inconsistent,” said deputy coach Eric Gonzales after the Tamaraws edged tailender University of the Philippines, 75-69, last Saturday.

“When we go up against weaker teams, the players tend to relax. But in big games like against La Salle, there’s no need to motivate them. They go hard.”The Tamaraws, who must do without coach Nash Racela anew, go for a 10th victory in the 4 p.m. duel versus the Falcons to keep the solo No. 1 spot.

Ateneo also targets at least a playoff for a Final Four berth when the Blue Eagles take their turn against the Maroons in the first game at 2 p.m.

After seeing the Maroons put up a fight against the Tamaraws, the Blue Eagles know they need to stay in top form to secure the solo second spot.

“As we face a very improved UP team, we need to refocus on how we can match up against them,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol.

The Eagles share the second spot with defending champion La Salle at 8-3, while National University (7-4), University of the East (6-5) and University of Santo Tomas (5-6) remain in the semifinal hunt.

“We still have things to work on as a team,” said Gonzales. “Going up against Adamson, I hope we’ve learned from that UP game.”

Gonzales will call the shots anew before Racela returns this weekend from his coaching duties with the Philippine team in the Fiba World Championship in Spain.