FEU shoots for UAAP juniors, women's crowns

MANILA, Philippines - National University guns for a breakthrough title while Far Eastern U-FERN shoots for a first crown in 24 years when the two dispute the UAAP Season 74 juniors crown today at the Arena in San Juan.

The Baby Tams drew first blood in the race-to-two series, 71-67 in overtime, last Saturday, but the Bullpups drew even with a come-from-behind 57-46 victory in a storm-hit Game 2 last Tuesday, setting the 3 p.m. battle for the marbles.

Also figuring in a winner-take-all duel are defending women’s champion Adamson and FEU Lady Tams, who take the court at 1 p.m.

“It’s back to square one for us. Our philosophy will be the same as Game 2, sustain our defense and our offense will come,” said NU coach Jeff Napa, who will bank on Mythical 5 member Raphael Atangan, big Paolo Rivero and Norjohn Tendenilla to bring the school its first ever juniors diadem.

The Baby Tams are expected to lean on MVP Jerie Pingoy but should get more support from Joshua Aguilon, Jovanie Luz, Jose Domingo and Al-jonner Hassan to give FEU-FERN’s first high school trophy since 1987.

The Lady Falcons, who are aiming for their third consecutive crown, took the opener in comeback fashion, 60-56, but the Lady Tams forced sudden death via a 72-50 rout in rain-drenched Game 2.

Meanwhile, the UAAP announced it is granting concession to ticketholders of women’s and juniors’ Game 2 who were not able to watch due to typhoon Pedring. The league said it would honor tickets issued by Ticketnet for the Sept. 27 games in today’s Game 3.