MANILA, Philippines - Semifinalist University of Santo Tomas seeks to zero in on the twice-to-beat edge while Ateneo guns for a semis seat today as they take on separate rivals in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The second-running Tigers shoot for their 10th victory against two losses against the University of the East Warriors (3-7) at 2 p.m. while the No. 3 Blue Eagles (7-4) tackle the University of the Philippines Maroons (3-7) at 4 p.m. with their eyes set on guaranteeing their entry to the next stage.
UST secured its slot in the playoffs with an 83-76 disposal of the Fighting Maroons last Sunday, joining league leading Far Eastern (10-1).
“We just reached the Final Four but it’s just the first step to our ultimate goal. We still have games left in the eliminations and we have to take care of those. We also want to get the 1-2 spot (and semis bonus),” said UST captain Kevin Ferrer, who drilled in 29 points the last time out, a new career high.
UST coach Bong dela Cruz said the Tigers need to learn how to handle the expected physicality in the final push.
“We need to adjust to the physicality going to the Final Four; we expect the games to be very physical from here on,” said dela Cruz.
Although they only have three wins each, the Warriors and the Maroons still have the chance if they can finish with seven wins while hoping that Ateneo and La Salle won’t reach eight.
The Eagles can avoid complications by beating the Maroons today. An Ateneo victory will also keep its hopes for the semis bonus alive.
“Our immediate goal is to make it to the Final Four. We also know we still have a chance to finish in the Top 2 (and contend for the Final Four incentive) if we can sweep our last three games,” said AdMU coach Bo Perasol, also hopeful that the weeklong break helped star Kiefer Ravena recover from an ankle injury.
The Eagles’ mentor tasked his backcourt to put the cuffs on UP counterparts like Diego Dario, Paul Desiderio and Jett Manuel.
“We have to defend well against their guards because that’s their strength,” said Perasol. “They (UP) will be fighting for survival. So we really have to fight for this win.”