Bulldogs one victory closer to finals as they face Tigers

Game today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4 p.m. – NU vs UST (Final Four)

MANILA, Philippines - National University has never been in this position in quite a long while: One win away from a first finals appearance in 43 years and eventually two victories off a first crown in 59 years.

As they enter the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball Final Four as the top seed, surging NU Bulldogs seek to capitalize on their twice-to-beat against No. 4 University of Santo Tomas today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to book a cherished berth in the best-of-three championship.

“We’re ready. We’re very thankful for being in this position and we want to take full advantage of it,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano,  looking to steer the erstwhile league doormats to glory on this third season.

The Bulldogs last made the finals in 1970, losing to University of the East as part of the Warriors seven-title string. NU’s last title conquest stretched even farther back, in 1954.

This season, NU emerged as the top seed in the semis – the first time since the Final Four format was implemented – with a 10-4 card and edging La Salle and Far Eastern in the tiebreak.

The Tigers took the No. 4 berth in the F4 after dethroning five-peat champs Ateneo, 82-74, for 8-6.

The Bulldogs enjoy a 2-0 head-to-head record against the Tigers this season.

But this is the UAAP Final Four already and, as they say, whatever happens in the elims doesn’t actually guarantee anything.

“Final Four na ito, wala na yung wins or losses, it’s more kung sino ang gustong manalo (In the Final Four, you throw away the wins and losses in the elims; it boils down to who wants to win it more),” said UST skipper Jeric Teng , who aims to win a title before he leaves the team.

The Bulldogs come into the match  fresher, having been on a break since a 70-65 triumph over Ateneo last Sept. 11. Altamirano said they went their usual practice schedules during the lull, and played one team from the NCAA.

Should NU win, the Bulldogs will await in the finals against the winner of the FEU-DLSU tussle. If UST wins, the Tigers and the Bulldogs will play a rubbermatch for a finals slot on Friday.