By Waylon Galvez
Games Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. – Ateneo vs UE
4 p.m. – UP vs FEU
With the return of Thirdy Ravena from a one-game suspension, defending champion Ateneo hopes to regain the solo lead when it faces University of the East even as Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines collide in an important match in the UAAP men’s basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles currently share the lead with the Adamson University Falcons with similar 7-2 cards, and a win will move the Katipunan-based team closer to a Final Four berth.
After easily beating UE, 89-62, in the first round last Sept. 26, Ateneo is expected to repeat when the Eagles face the Red Warriors (1-7) in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.
In the second game, the Tamaraws (5-4) and the Fighting Maroons (3-5) slug it out at 4 p.m. with one thing in mind – to improve their chances to make it to the playoff round.
Ateneo is coming off a vengeful 82-62 win over FEU last Saturday that saw rookie center Angelo Kouame of Ivory Coast explode for a career high 33 points with 27 rebounds that pushed the Tab Baldwin-mentored squad two wins away from outright Final Four spot.
Even with that, Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said their focus is on facing UE – a team capable of pulling off a surprise just like what it did when it surprised FEU late last month (90-65) for its lone win so far this season.
“It is still a long way to go. We should keep our eyes focused on our next game, which is UE,” said Arespacochaga as the Eagles welcome Ravena back after serving a one-game suspension.
While the Warriors are on the brink of elimination, the De La Salle Green Archers and Tamaraws, tied at 5-4, University of Santo Tomas Tigers (4-5) and the Maroons are in a tight race for the last two Final Four spots.
FEU’s Nigerian center Prince Orizu is a doubtful starter after suffering an ankle injury against Ateneo, giving UP a slight edge since its own Nigerian rookie center Bright Akhuetie had 28 points and 13 rebounds in a 94-81 win against UE last Sunday.
UP coach Bo Perasol said playing consistent basketball is what he wants from his players especially at this crucial stage of the season as teams jockey up for position to make the Final Four.
“It important for us to play consistent. If we do that, I know we can get wins and keep our bid to make in to the Final Four. But we take it one game at a time, focus is on FEU,” said Perasol.
