Ateneo’s most cohesive and well-drilled team in years tries to punch its ticket to the Final Four ahead of everyone else on Saturday as it battles Far Eastern U in UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A victory by the Blue Eagles, who hold a perfect 9-0 record, in the 4 p.m. duel with the Tamaraws will book their place in the Final Four with four games to spare.
Running second and third in the standings, La Salle and Adamson clash in the first game at 2 p.m. in another Final Four preview.
The Archers can solidify their hold of second spot with a win, but the Falcons can also tie La Salle at second if they avenge their 73-85 defeat in the first round.
“La Salle is one team that we have to hurdle,” said Adamson coach Franz Pumaren, who guided the Green Archers to five UAAP crowns, the last coming in 2007. “It’s important for us for the ranking. We’re aiming for the top two.”
The top two teams at the end of the elimination round will earn a twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinals, but a sweep by Ateneo will lead to a stepladder semifinals. —CEDELF P. TUPAS