Tough Tamaraws eye repeat versus Green Archers

MANILA, Philippines—Turning its attention to its next goal, Far Eastern University hopes to sustain its sharp form against La Salle Saturday in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.   The Tamaraws, the first and only team to secure a Final Four berth so far, gun for a 10th victory to strengthen their bid for the twice-to-beat semifinal bonus against the Archers at 4 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.   “We’re happy that we’re in the Final Four, but it’s not yet over,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio. “Our target is still the top two. It’s still better to have an advantage.”   The fourth-running Archers are trying to pull away from three lower-ranked teams still in Final Four contention.   “One thing nice is our fate is still in our hands,” said coach Dindo Pumaren, whose Archers tote a 6-4 record.   University of Santo Tomas, ranked seventh with a 3-7 card, tries to keep its slim semifinal hopes alive against the winless University of the Philippines at 2 p.m.   Although the Tamaraws boast a three-win buffer against the Archers at 9-1, Capacio said overconfidence can unravel any team.   “We can’t be complacent because we haven’t achieved anything yet,” said Capacio.   And if their first-round encounter is any indication, the Tamaraws expect another tough assault from the Archers.   “We have to prepare for La Salle’s pressure defense; it’s what carries the team,” said Capacio, whose Tamaraws needed two overtimes to turn back the Archers, 84-80, last July 29.   The Archers, though, hope to bring back that swagger six days after absorbing a 74-57 pummeling from fierce rival Ateneo.   “It was a different La Salle [against Ateneo], but we’ll try to bounce back,” said Pumaren. “We have to be ready and bring back the aggressiveness, especially now because FEU is the No. 1 team and they’re playing well.”   The Tamaraws clinched the first Final Four berth following their 76-67 triumph over the Tigers last Saturday.