Bullpups, Baby Tams begin title showdown

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion National University and Far Eastern University-Diliman brace for a fierce battle as they slug it out at the start of the UAAP Season 79 juniors basketball finals at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan today.

Coach Jeff Napa has opted to downplay his Bullpups’ chances but remained upbeat of his team’s chances for a fourth crown in six years.

“I expect a very exciting game,” said Napa.

Gametime is at 2 p.m. which will be aired live on S+A Channel 23.

Despite losing Justine Baltazar to graduation, NU was still able to make this far behind John Lloyd Clemente, Rhayyan Amsali, Karl Peñano, Paul Manalang and Winderlich Coyuca.

But the Bullpups are expected to have their hands full against the Baby Tamaraws, who have last made it to the finals in 2012 and won the championship.

While NU thrashed De La Salle-Zobel in the Final Four, FEU-Diliman needed two games to subdue Ateneo in the other semis pairing.

But the Baby Tamaraws maintained they are battle-ready against the Bullpups.

“I think it’s a good experience going sa Finals against NU, which is a veteran team,” said FEU-Diliman mentor Allan Albano.

LJ Gonzales, Kenji Roman, Jack Gloria and RJ Abarrientos will be the vital cogs for the Baby Tamaraws’ bid.