MANILA, Philippines—National University and University of Santo Tomas try to keep their flickering semifinal hopes alive against powerhouse rivals Thursday in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
The NU Bulldogs, running fifth with a 5-6 record, go up against the pacesetting Far Eastern U Tamaraws at 2 p.m. while the UST Tigers, still mathematically alive at 4-7, tangle with the De La Salle Archers at 4 p.m.
Victories by FEU (9-2) and La Salle (7-4) will complete the Final Four cast with only the race for the two twice-to-beat semifinal incentives being disputed in the remaining games of the second round.
Defending champion Ateneo is running second at 9-3 while Adamson holds third at 8-4.
The Tamaraws, upset by the Archers in their last outing, are expected to go all out against the Bulldogs this time.
“The players know we’re in the Final Four, so maybe that’s one reason they were complacent [against La Salle],” said coach Glenn Capacio almost a week after the Tamaraws absorbed a stunning 80-66 loss against the Archers.
“It’s better na mauntog ng maaga (that they learned their lessons early). It’s a wake up call again.”
La Salle hopes to flash anew that fiery form as the Green Archers shoot for a share of third against the Tigers.
“Our fate is still in our hands, so we have to make sure that we do our job,” said coach Dindo Pumaren as his Archers vie for an eighth triumph.
National U coach Eric Gonzales said the Bulldogs’ narrow setback against the Tamaraws in the first round, 76-72, have kept them hopeful.
“It’s hard, but FEU can be beaten,” said Gonzales.
And the Tamaraws, powered by RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo and Aldrech Ramos, are bracing themselves for a tough encounter.
“They’re playing well,” said Capacio of the fifth-running Bulldogs (5-6). “Defensively, we have to step up. Against La Salle, we were beaten especially in the backcourt.”
La Salle guard Simon Atkins and rookies Jarelan Tampus and Luigi dela Paz led the assault as the Archers dealt the Tamaraws just their second loss of the season last Saturday. Photo by Mark Giongco
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