By JEROME LAGUNZAD
Game Today
(Blue Eagle gym)
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU
Defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman and dangerous University of Santo Tomas square off today in a knockout duel at the start of the UAAP juniors basketball stepladder semifinals at the Blue Eagle gym in Quezon City.
Tip off is at 10 a.m., with the third-ranked Baby Tamaraws out to extend their title reign and the Tiger Cubs determined to sustain their resurgence after surviving a pair of do-or-die matches early this week.
The winner will advance to the final phase of the playoffs on Tuesday against a second-seeded National University crew armed with a twice-to-beat advantage. Powerhouse Ateneo, which swept the 14-game elimination round, is already assured of a spot in the best-of-three finals.
While the Baby Tamaraws will come in with fresh legs, momentum should be on the side of the Tiger Cubs after they outlasted the Adamson Baby Falcons, 73-72, in overtime for the final playoff spot last Wednesday.
UST should also be brimming with confidence since it swept FEU in their head-to-head matchup this season, including an all-important 64-62 victory on the final day of eliminations last Sunday.
Star forward CJ Cansino, the tourney MVP, is again expected to lead from front while Kobe Palencia and Bismarck Lina are out to provide the needed support for the Tiger Cubs, handled by former pro Chris Cantonjos.