Peaking Archers seek Finals slot vs Falcons
La Salle coach Aldin Ayo believes his Green Archers are peaking at just the right time even as he expects a dogfight when they clash with the Adamson Falcons on Saturday in the Final Four of UAAP Season 80 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 4 p.m. with the defending champion Archers, armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, looking to punch a Finals ticket for the second straight season.
But they would have to deal with a familiar roadblock in the Falcons, the same team that gave them all that they could handle in the Final Four last season.
In fact, Ayo is already bracing for a nip-and-tuck affair with Adamson the same way their second round clash panned out last month when they won, 80-74.
“Same expectation, it will be a dogfight. Our last game in the second round was close, it was decided [in] less than a minute or two minutes,” said Ayo.
“They were up for most of the game, but we were able to get the win, so for sure it will be difficult for us.”
But the UAAP and NCAA champion coach is upbeat over his team’s chances especially after their 79-76 conquest of fierce rival Ateneo last Sunday, which prevented an elimination round sweep for the Blue Eagles.
“I think we’re peaking at the right time,” said Ayo, whose team is entering the playoffs on a seven-game winning streak.
“Every player has been responsible and committed for us to achieve our goals,” added the former Letran mentor.
The Falcons are hoping to have Jerrick Ahanmisi and Jerie Pingoy back in the mix, after the two guards left the game against Far Eastern U to ankle injuries.
“We’re just hoping for the best with regards to their injuries,” said Adamson coach Franz Pumaren. “It will be a tough game going up against La Salle, but I also believe in my team.”
