Eagles, Tams dispute No.1 in final preview

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo and Far Eastern University clash for the top seeding in the Final Four as they clash today in what could be a preview of this year’s championship in the UAAP seniors basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles got back at the UP Maroons, 93-75, last Sunday to remain on top with a 12-1 slate while the Tams edged the La Salle Archers, 71-69, also last week to stay within at 11-2.

A win by Ateneo will give the Eagles the No. 1 spot in the Final Four for a duel with the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, who wound up fourth with a 6-8 record.

FEU, on the other hand, needs to beat Ateneo by five points or more to snatch the top spot since the Eagles beat the Tams by four, 63-59, in their first round encounter last July 12.

Otherwise, the Tams will settle for the No. 2 seed for a clash with No. 3 University of the East in the other Final Four face-off.

The Eagles and the Tams enjoy twice-to-beat advantage over their respective Final Four rivals.

“We’re still trying to get to the No. 1 spot. I think we have to win that game to get to No. 1, that’s what we’re aiming for right now,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.