By NIKOLE JAVIER
National University is going for its sixth straight kill and the solo lead when it takes on La Salle in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulldogs, who share similar 7-1 records with University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, meet with the Green Archers (5-3) at 4 p.m. for the weekend double header.
NU has proven to be a top contender heading into the second round anchored by sophomore Kean Baclaan, who’s been playing inspired basketball in the past two games, including their 64-61 escape win over University of the East.
The only squad to have beaten the Bulldogs so far this season is UP.
Meanwhile, the Green Archers, who are coming off back-to-back wins, are seeking payback against the Bulldogs from their first-round encounter when they suffered an 80-77 loss in overtime.
La Salle, which sits at the No. 3 spot with a 5-3 mark behind UP and NU, will heavily rely on MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao on both ends of the floor.
After the first part of the tournament, Quiambao led all players in the statistical points and continued his strong showing in La Salle’s massive 100-69 win over University of Santo Tomas.
With his continued heroics for the Green Archers, Quiambao is likely to become the first local MVP in 8 years.
In the earlier play, UE (2-6) and UST (1-7) collide at 2 p.m. – both teams determined to improve their respective records.
The Red Warriors are seeking to end their five-game losing streak at the expense of the same team they defeated in the opening game of the season, 80-70.
However, the Growling Tigers, who just recently snapped their record 19-game losing skid are also seething for a convincing bounce back win.
