AS INTRIGUING as the final outcome of today’s much-awaited title showdown is the battle for supremacy in the shaded lane between big men Anthony Hardgrove of FEU and Alfred Aroga of NU. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University and National University leave it all out on the floor as they clash in one final showdown for the UAAP men’s basketball championship Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the way the series has gone, no one can tell if the much-anticipated Finals decider will be like Game 1, where FEU showed yet again that it thrives at crunch time, or Game 2, where NU displayed its finest teamwork.
“It will boil down to which team can assert itself,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “If NU can assert itself defensively or if FEU can assert itself offensively.
That will be the key in the third game.” Game 3 fires off at 4 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bagging the crown will be huge in many levels for the Bulldogs, the league doormat for many decades, who are now vying to snap the league’s longest title drought of 60 years.
The No. 4 Bulldogs also aim to become the lowest ranked team to go all the way since the league adopted the Final Four format in 1994.
“At this point, there’s no more advantage,” said NU guard Gelo Alolino. “We have to give our all and give our best, because we also expect FEU to do the same.”
While the Bulldogs only have the 1954 title to show, the Tamaraws own the most crowns and will shoot for their 20th overall.
“We don’t want to think about [making history],” said Racela, adding that the Tamaraws were overeager in their Game 2 loss. “When we’ve accomplished something, that’s the only time we think about it.”
The Bulldogs forced the winner-take-all match with a dominant 62-47 Game 2 triumph behind Troy Rosario, Glenn Khobuntin, Alfred Aroga and Alolino. In that game, the in-sync Bulldogs held the Tamaraws to their lowest score (47) and the lowest field goal percentage (27.87 percent) in a Finals game since 2003.
FEU drew first blood, leaning on Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia and a hardworking support crew for a thrilling 75-70 victory.
PHOTOS taken from from Ruth Navarra’s twitter account via INQUIRER SPORTS
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