University of Santo Tomas has made heads turn early with two big wins over University of the East and last year’s losing finalist University of the Philippines.
Whether the UST Tigers are indeed for real will be known when they collide with the three-peat seeking Ateneo Eagles today in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The anticipated duel is set at 10:30 a.m. with both teams going for their third wins in the eight-team tournament.
Mentored by Aldin Ayo – the same coach who masterminded the title wins of Letran (NCAA) and La Salle, the Tigers dismantled the Warriors, 95-82, and the Maroons, 85-65.
The Eagles, on the other hand, lived up to their billing as the team to beat this season with victories over the Adamson Falcons (70-52) and archrival De La Salle Archers (81-69).
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin expects a fast-paced game after watching UST wore down UP over the weekend.
“I was so entertained watching his team,” he said of Ayo’s wards. “They (UST) buy into the system, the discipline is outstanding, so I don’t expect anything easy (on Wednesday).”
“I think I’ll wake the team (Ateneo) up about 6 a.m. to get them ready for that track meet that it’s going to be,” said Baldwin.
Ange Kouame is expected to provide inside strength for Ateneo to slow down UST while offense will come from brothers Mike and Matt Nieto after combining for 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists against La Salle.
The Eagles also hope Thirdy Ravena and Isaac Go will regain their bearings after their dismal showing the last time.
For the Tigers, Ayo will make sure his stalwarts will come in fully prepared like their last two games.
“Obviously, they are the best collegiate team. Gusto lang namin makadikit, then let’s see kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari sa laro,” he said.
“This is a competition. Every time you come, of course, you always aim to win. We’re going to do our best and hopefully, maganda ang resulta,” said Ayo.
Rookie-transferee Rhenz Abando will have his hands this time after erupting for 34 points in their last two games, while offense will also come from Mark Nonoy, Renzo Subido and CJ Cansino.
Soulemane Chabiyo is likely to task to limit the scoring production Kouame.
Meanwhile, La Salle and National University seek to bounce back from first-game defeats when they collide at 12:30 p.m., while Adamson (1-1) faces UE (0-2) at 4 p.m.
