Tams zero in on first finals seat

Unless University of the East comes up with a gem of a game, Far Eastern U could well be on its way to the championship round for the second straight time.

The defending champion Tams, looking good and confident, hope to reassert their mastery over the Warriors as they clash in their own side of the Final Four in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at Philsports today.

With arch rivals La Salle and Ateneo still to dispute the other final berth Sunday, Far Eastern tries to wrap it all up today and dash whatever hopes UE has in making the championship round via backdoor.

The Tams outclassed Ateneo, 65-51, Saturday to top the elimination round with a 11-3 win-loss slate and clinch the twice-to-beat advantage.

The Warriors finished a surprise fourth place with a 8-6 win-loss slate.

Far Eastern swept UE in the elims, winning 89-61, last July 10 before escaping with a 64-62 victory last Aug. 21.

But over those victories, the Tams boast of vast championship experience.

"It’s always an advantage if you have championship experience. Thank God I have eight players who played in last year’s championship team," said FEU coach Koy Banal, referring to Arwind Santos, Dennis Miranda, Mark Isip, skipper Don Yabut, RJ Rizada, Jonathan Cutler, Jeff Chan and Jobhim Garcia.

"But it’s a different situation now since we are the defending champion and we are playing a team that has nothing to lose. Add to that the fact that I don’t consider UE as a rookie-laden squad because they also have players who played in the PBL," he added. — Joey Villar