Ateneo's Baldwin jokes about rooting for UE to avoid playoff vs Adamson

MANILA, Philippines -- At least for a day, Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin will be a fan of the UE Red Warriors.

With the Eagles’ 72-69 loss to the La Salle Green Archers in their UAAP Season 86 second round clash on Saturday, Ateneo would need UE to notch a victory over Adamson on Sunday.

If Adamson wins, then the two teams will have identical 7-7 records and the Falcons would force a playoff for the semifinal spot.

Speaking to reporters after their defeat, Baldwin said he is hoping that they would get in the Final Four.

“I am a big [UE head coach] Jack Santiago fan right now, and I’m gonna go home, put my red underwear and cheer for the Red Warriors until the game is over,” Baldwin told reporters in jest.

“We’ll see how it plays out,” he added.

The 6-7 Adamson and 4-9 UE will be facing each other in the crucial match Sunday morning.

Last season, the Soaring Falcons also squeaked in the Final Four after winning the playoff against the La Salle Green Archers.

“We’ll see how it plays out. Adamson is really tough. They’re one of the tough teams to contend with. We’ll see how the game goes. It’s a.. I gotta do a little sport and go get the white and red pom poms and show up for halftime and do cheerleading for the Red Warriors,” he added.

The Blue Eagles earlier scored the crucial win over the Soaring Falcons to grab the fourth spot.

However, Adamson surprised the NU Bulldogs in their next game to keep themselves in the race for the semifinals.