MANILA—The unbeaten Tamaraws will have their hands full against the equally formidable Eagles in the 4 p.m. battle for the second finals berth.
The duel is the first since last year’s UAAP finals where the Eagles swept the Tamaraws in their best-of-three series.
Reigning NCAA champion San Beda clashes with upstart Adamson in the first semifinal pairing at 2 p.m.
With their deep and talented roster, the Tamaraws hardly looked the team that found difficulty breaking down the Eagles last season, sweeping their first nine games of the tournament.
Despite its retooled roster that now includes Greg Slaughter and fancied rookie Kiefer Ravena, Ateneo has looked vulnerable at times, especially in its 61-66 loss to rival La Salle in its last elimination round game.
The Eagles bounced back with a 63-56 victory that ousted Mapua in the quarterfinals and set up today’s match with the Tamaraws, who bundled out the Archers, 73-68.
“This would definitely be the biggest test for us,” said returning FEU coach Bert Flores.
“They are the UAAP champions. They are a very experienced team with a solid system and coach.”
Against the Archers, the Tamaraws were boosted by RR Garcia, who summoned his fiery form to wind up with 30 points, including the big shots that frustrated the Archers.
“RR (Garcia) finally played well and played like the MVP that he is,” Flores said. “I hope he continues his great play against Ateneo.”
For Ateneo coach Norman Black, the game will give his wards a preview of what to expect in the UAAP season.
“We were in the United States when FEU played most of its games here,” said Black, whose squad trained in California and Las Vegas last month. “It will surely be a good semifinal game.”