Tigers shoot for ‘next goal’

Kevin Ferrer vs two UE defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Looking to stay on track of its goals, University of Santo Tomas shoots for a 10th victory against an unpredictable University of the East Wednesday in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST coach Bong dela Cruz said there’s more on their checklist even if the Tigers already secured a Final Four berth.

“We have targets and the Final Four is just the first of those targets,” said Dela Cruz.

Game time is 2 p.m. with the Warriors— who nearly toppled some of the league heavyweights—out to stay in the semifinal hunt.

Ateneo, riding on a three-game roll, also aims to firm up its hold of the third spot versus University of the Philippines at 4 p.m.

Although a 7-4 slate has yet to secure them a Final Four seat, the Blue Eagles already hold a two-game cushion against fourth-running La Salle (5-6).

“It gives us the opportunity to catch on the top two,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol as the twice-to-beat semifinal bonus—the incentive given to the top two teams at the end of the eliminations—remains up for grabs.

And it’s that bonus the Tigers also hope to clinch in their next two games.

“Our goal is to be the champion, but it’s step-by-step,” said UST star Kevin Ferrer.

The Warriors, though, aim to close out strong after nearly upsetting top-ranked Far Eastern University, 71-67, in their last outing.

“We still have a shot,” UE coach Derrick Pumaren said of his Warriors, who can still pile up seven wins just like the Maroons. “We just have to get our form and hope for the best.”

In the first round, the Warriors also put up a late fight before the Tigers prevailed, 83-76.