University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas shoot for the early lead when they clash Saturday in UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game is at 4 p.m. with both teams hoping to ride the momentum of their opening-game victories Wednesday.
The Maroons survived the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 61-55, while the Tigers crushed the University of the East Warriors, 95-82, to jumpstart their title bids.
UP coach Bo Perasol hopes Kobe Paras will be physically ready for the expected tough match after the 6-foot-6 rookie sensation missed their first game due to a right ankle sprain.
“I’m hoping that he’ll be available because he needs to fill in the game even for limited minutes,” said Perasol, adding that he did not want to risk Paras against FEU even if it was only minor sprain.
While Paras’ availability will be known on game day, Perasol will rely on Javi Gomez De Liaño, Ricci Rivero and Bright Akhuetie after they rescue the Maroons from the jaws of defeat.
Perasol hopes his stalwarts have learned a lot from their first game after “being carried away”, knowing the strength of UST despite its small lineup.
“Their being small is nakakaloko. Minsan, they play bigger than bigger teams,” said Perasol.
“We just have to go back to the drawing board on how to play against those aggressive teams,” Perasol said.
For UST coach Aldin Ayo, offense will be the key.
But the rookie-laden Tigers must build more confidence in going up against stronger squads like UP.
“We have to run because that’s the only way we can win. But I told my players not to be afraid to commit mistakes as long as they learn from it right away. Yan kasi tendency ng mga newcomers, takot magkamali,” said Ayo.
“Hopefully, they mature right away,” Ayo said of his rookies.
Rookie-transferee Rhenz Abando is expected to carry the fight for the Tigers along with 6-foot-6 center Chabi Chabiyo and skipper CJ Cansino.
Meanwhile, Adamson seeks to bounce back from a 70-52 defeat over defending champion Ateneo when it face National University at 2 p.m.
Eyes will be on Fil-Peruvian guard Val Chauca after leading the Falcons’ fightback from 22 points down to five in the payoff period that had the Eagles scrambling for tighter defense.
NU, for its part, will parade brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, John Lloyd Clemente and John Galinato as it intends to improve on a dismal seventh-place performance last season. (KRISTEL SATUMBAGA)
