Semis slots assured, Archers, Falcons still eyeing bigger prize
MANILA, Philippines—Don’t tell La Salle and Adamson that the current top two teams have the inside track to the UAAP Final Four bonus.
The Green Archers and the Falcons, still in the mix for the two twice-to-beat incentives, aim to prop up their bids against separate opponents Saturday in the men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Archers tangle with the already-eliminated University of the East Warriors at 2 p.m., before the Falcons take on another out-of-it foe in the National U Bulldogs at 4 p.m.
“Anything is still possible,” said Adamson coach Leo Austria. “We’re still eyeing the No. 2 spot because the twice-to-beat is important. But even the No. 1 spot is still possible, you never know what can happen.”
The twice-to-beat Final Four advantage is the incentive given to the top two teams at the end of the elimination round.
Far Eastern University, in the lead with a 10-2 record, only needs one more win to claim the first semifinal bonus.
Defending champion Ateneo totes a second-best 9-3, just a game ahead of fellow semifinalists La Salle and Adamson, both at 8-4.
“We’re happy to be in the Final Four, but we don’t want to stop there,” said La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren. “Our last two games will be crucial.”
The Archers completed the Final Four cast last Thursday, when they eliminated University of Santo Tomas, 78-69. It’s already a feat for the rookie-laden Archers, who dropped out of the Final Four for the first time last season.
“We celebrated the win, but we need to focus on Saturday,” said forward Joshua Webb, the Archers’ main man in the decisive victory
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