FEU, Adamson battle for solo third; a win, finally, for either UE or UST

Looking to sustain their winning runs, Far Eastern U and Adamson dispute solo third spot when they battle on Saturday in UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws and Falcons take the floor at 4 p.m. with both teams trying to close out the first round with a fourth straight victory that could forge a tie at second spot if La Salle loses to Ateneo on Sunday.

The game caps what Adamson coach Franz Pumaren calls a “brutal week” for the Falcons as it comes just three days after a thrilling 73-71 win over University of the Philippines.

“Well, it’s a brutal week for us,” said Pumaren. “We would have to rely on our training to keep us afloat against FEU.”

The Tamaraws, in contrast, had six days to prepare for the game after their 78-59 win over the Maroons last Sunday.

“They’re (Falcons) a well-coached team and they run a very good system,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela. “I think it’s a great chance to grow as a team.”

University of the East and University of Santo Tomas collide in the first game at 2 p.m. in the battle of winless squads.

Both the Warriors and the Tigers are brimming with optimism as they shoot for a first victory this season.