University of the Philippines seeks to end a two-game slide against University of the East on Saturday in the UAAP men’s basketball competition at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Match is at 4 p.m. with the Maroons, still without coach Bo Perasol for the second time following his three-game suspension, out to reaffirm their mastery over the Warriors.
After being beaten black and blue by Ateneo at the close of the first round elims, the Maroons suffered yet another painful defeat when they lost to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 82-79, in overtime last Wednesday.
Despite that, UP remained at second with a 5-3 mark.
UP assistant coach Ricky Dandan, who is calling the shots in Perasol’s absence, said they need to get their acts together starting today’s game if they intend to stay among the top four teams.
“We’re in the middle of the tournament. We didn’t get the win and we needed to get back to the drawing board to bounce back hard,” he said.
UP prevailed in their first meeting against UE, 62-56, but the Maroons knew it would be a different ballgame as the Warriors are still determined to bolster their Final Four campaign.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Bright Akhuetie is expected to go head-to-head with UE’s Alex Diakhite in the paint. Kobe Paras and brothers Javi and Juan Gomez De Liaño will try to deliver the additional firepower.
Spitfire Rey Suerte, for his part, will lead UE’s offense along with Philip Manalang and Neil Tolentino.
Meanwhile, National University aims to ride on the momentum of its 85-79 triumph over FEU over the weekend when it faces Adamson University at 2 p.m.
The Bulldogs remain optimistic of their Final Four chances despite being at the tailend with a 2-7 mark.
“Hangga’t may laro pa kami, lalaban lang talaga kami. Yun rin sabi ni coach Jamike (Jarin) sa amin, laban lang. We have nothing to lose naman. Nowhere to go but up,” said Shaun Ildefonso, who is set to lead the Bulldogs along with brother Dave, Issa Gaye and John Lloyd Clemente.
Adamson, meanwhile, hopes to improve its 3-6 record with Val Chauca, Lenda Douanga and Jerrick Ahanmisi at the frontline. (Kristel Satumbaga)
