FEU, UST try to keep UAAP lead

Mike Tolomia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University no longer sees National University as a sputtering defending champion when the first round of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament wraps up Wednesday.

“They got their game already,” FEU coach Nash Racela said of the Bulldogs, who are on a three-game roll after a 0-3 start.

“We always believed when they were struggling, they only needed one win and they would get going,” added Racela. “They have the experience, they have good players and the best import [in Alfred Aroga].”

The rematch of last season’s Finals tips off at 4 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

FEU vies to stay on top just like the University of Santo Tomas, which also targets a sixth triumph versus University of the East at 2 p.m.

NU coach Eric Altamirano hopes the Bulldogs can sustain their winning run, which started with a 55-54 escape over early leader UST.

“We’re getting our timing already,” said Altamirano. “But we still have long ways to go.”

Racela said although the Tamaraws remain as the favorite, they got a huge scare from tailender Adamson, 64-60, over a week ago.

“It’s still part of our inconsistency,” said Racela.