Early semifinalist Ateneo looks to preserve its unbeaten record while University of the Philippine coach Bo Perasol returns Wednesday as the Maroons try to inch closer from earning a semis berth in the UAAP men’s basketball competition at the Mallof Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The two-time defending champion Blue Eagles gun for their 11th straight victory in their 12:30 p.m. confrontation against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws while the Maroons are aching to get back at the University of Santo Tomas Tigers when they clash at 4 p.m.
Ateneo is looking great after toppling archrival La Salle, 77-69, last Sunday, but coach Tab Baldwin insists there’s no time to relax.
“As I always say, there’s still a lot to work on,” he said.
Boasting of a deep frontline that include Thirdy Ravena, Ange Kouame, Adrian Wong and Will Navarro, the Blue Eagles seek to follow up their 63-46 first round win last Sept. 14.
FEU, meanwhile, hopes to ride on the momentum of its 72-58 win over UST that tied them with the Tigers at third place with similar 5-5 cards.
“Every win counts in the second round. For us, every game is a do-or-die game,” said FEU coach Olsen Racela, who will be banking on LJ Gonzales, Royce Alforque and Wendell Comboy in pulling off an upset victory against the Blue Eagles.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on UP as Perasol returns after his three-game suspension was reduced to two games. He has already served his two-game ban.
The Maroons are out to avenge their 85-69 first round loss to the Tigers.
“There’s not much adjustment to do as I was with them the whole time except during game time. We need to treat every game from here on as playoff games,” Perasol said. (Kristel Satumbaga)
