By CARLO ANOLIN
Expect more drama and color to come into play as La Salle and University of the Philippines dispute the second finals berth in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball tournament Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
For one, the third-seeded Archers will be riding the momentum of their 83-81 win on Wednesday that enabled them to force a do-or-die match starting at 6 p.m.
Their pride badly hurt by that defeat, the Maroons are likely to give it all in their burning desire to advance to the finals – a best-of-three affair – against Ateneo, a team they handed their first defeat in 40 matches or since Oct. 10, 2018.
The top-seeded Eagles claimed the first finals berth with an 85-72 drubbing of No. 4 seed Far Eastern University also Wednesday.
La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren, however, believes that, technically, his team just tied the series after the Maroons had maximized their twice-to-beat advantage.
“The momentum will be on our side but we just have to make use of that advantage. But we cannot just come in there and just play because we have that momentum,” said Pumaren.
Evan Nelle, 23, was extra sharp the last time for La Salle, knocking down 26 points highlighted by five three-pointers.
Justine Baltazar, Kurt Lojera, and Michael Phillips provided a little of everything for the Archers on both ends while CJ Austria and Deschon came up with key plays in their first semis encounter against the Maroons.
Over in Diliman, Carl Tamayo is expected to step up this time and extend a helping hand to Malick Diouf, Ricci Rivero, and Zavier Lucero.
JD Cagulangan continues to work behind the scenes while CJ Cansino is still on a day-to-day due to his bone bruising and minimal swelling on his knee.
UP mentor Goldwin Monteverde emphasized that his wards need to find their rhythm as early as possible, a factor that was missing in their loss against De La Salle.
“Ang importante right now is just to know, makita namin ano ba dapat namin [gawin], where to adjust,” said Monteverde. “Tapos sabi ko nga, sa ganitong klaseng season, wala ka naman panahon para sumama pa loob mo. Isang araw dapat diyan we need to bounce back and be ready for Friday’s game.”
