Games today (Mall of Asia Arena)
2 p.m. – Adamson vs FEU
4 p.m. – La Salle vs NU
The streaking Far Eastern University stakes its nine-game winning streak on the line against Adamson as it looks to continue to create separation from the pack in today’s UAAP basketball action at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Fresh off a scary 83-76 victory over University of the East, the Tamaraws hope for a smoother sailing when it takes on the cellar-dwelling Falcons in the first game of the twinbill.
It will immediately be followed by the crucial match between fourth and fifth seed in La Salle and National University at 4 p.m.
The Archers look to keep distance from the Bulldogs who are still hopeful to make one late push for the final four.
At 5-5, a loss for the Green Archers would mean they will just hold a half game advantage over the champions who are already dazed at the ropes.
“Teams are focusing on Jeron (Teng) in the fourth period. Other guys have to step up for him during that time,” said Archers coach Juno Sauler.
“We just have to keep playing the way we should be playing and we’ll be good.”
A loss for the Bulldogs would not mean elimination, but their chances of making the semis wouldn’t be on their hands anymore.
Meantime coach Nash Racela remains wary of the fact that despite being on the polar opposites of the standings, the Falcons could still give them a hard time.
The Falcons are coming off a 75-74 victory off the Green Archers last Saturday and with Papi Sarr and Joseph Nalos playing to their full potential, this won’t be a walk in the park for the Tamaraws.
That and the fact that they needed two big triples from Mike Tolomia in their 64-60 victory in the first round makes this match all interesting.
“Nung first round nahirapan kami sa kanila. I dont expect this to be any different. Malalakas talaga lahat eh,” said Racela.
For coach Mike Fernin, despite being already out of the race for the final four, the target is still a respectable finish for them after winning just a single game last season.
“As I’ve said, we’re targetting to win a few games this season. We want to finish strong. We want to win the remaining games,” Fermin said.