Bulldogs, Warriors dispute Filoil crown

Games today (The Arena, San Juan)

2 p.m. – UST vs San Beda (For 3rd)

4 p.m. – UE vs NU (For title)

MANILA, Philippines - The Bulldogs, who routed the San Beda Lions, 74-57, in their semifinal showdown Friday, are gunning for their second straight title while the Warriors, who rallied to pull the rug from under the UST Tigers, 77-75, in the other Final Four duel, try to make the most of their first finals appearance in five years.

The Jhocson-based school also hopes to cap its unbeaten run after racking up 11 straight victories in this edition and 22nd overall dating back from last year when it romped away with the crown.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. after the 2 p.m. duel between UST and San Beda for third place.

NU coach Eric Altamirano, however, said the streak would be meaningless if they don’t win the championship.

“All those things are farthest in our minds right now, all we think about is our game tomorrow (today) against UE and how we’re going to win it,” said Altamirano.

The Bulldogs are also riding the crest of an emphatic 63-46 win over the Perpetual Help Altas in the Fr. Martin Cup finals over the weekend where they also went undefeated in nine games.

But UE mentor Boycie Zamar remains hopeful of their chances against the fancied NU side.

“We all know we’re the underdogs here but if we play with all our heart, I believe we’ll have a chance,” he said.

NU boasts of a deep roster led by reigning two-time UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Cameroonians Emmanuel Mbe and Alfred Aroga while UE will be backstopped by Sierra Leone’s Charles Mammie.

“We have no choice but to rely on Charles heavily while putting a collective defensive effort to slow down the Bulldogs,” said Zamar, who will also pin his hopes on top playmaker Roi Sumang.

“I know they’re looking at stopping me but I think it will take a total team effort for any team to win,” said Sumang.