TEAM STANDINGS
La Salle 7-1
UP 7-1
UE 5-3
UST 4-4
Adamson 3-5
FEU 2-6
Ateneo 2-6
NU 2-6
Games Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
3 p.m. – NU vs FEU
6 p.m. – La Salle vs UST
Defending champion La Salle will try to make it five in a row when it battles University of Santo Tomas Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off a vengeful 77-68 win over University of the East (5-3) last weekend, the Green Archers, tied for the lead with the University of the Philippines Maroons at 7-1, are heavily favored to repeat over the Tigers who they clobbered 88-67 in the first round in their 6 p.m. showdown.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University hopes to score its first back-to-back wins as the Sean Chambers-mentored Tamaraws tackle the National University Bulldogs at 3 p.m.
Though they beat the 4-4 Tigers black and blue the last time, La Salle coach Topex Robinson is not taking their rivals from España lightly knowing everybody is eager to beat them at all cost.
The Tigers are one of them.
“It’s like what I always tell these players. That’s what you get for being the defending champions. Every team will always come out with guns blazing every time they play you,” said Robinson.
“Gone are the days that you’re just going to blow by teams because there’s so much respect for you now. That’s just going to make us better,” he added. “These games will make us better. We’ll learn from it. We’ll grow from it.”
Mike Phillips, who sizzled for 27 points apart from posting 17 rebounds, five assists, a steal and two blocks in La Salle’s win over UE, would be a marked man this time.
The 6-foot-8 high-flying forward is expected to join forces anew with reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao, JC Macalalag and Vhoris Marasigan.
While UST will likely lean once again on versatile guard Forthsky Padrigao, Mo Tounkara, Cristian Manaytay, and Nic Cabanero.
The Growling Tigers so far, are on the verge of getting outside the top four teams as this year’s edition is nearing to end its preliminary round.
Jorick Bautista, the emerged as the hero after hitting timely baskts down the stretch for the Tamaraws, will spearhead his crew along with Royce Alforque, Veejay Pre and Mo Konateh.
On the other hand, coach Jeff Napa and the Bulldogs are going to be led by Steve Nash Enriquez, Ian Manansala, Jake Figueroa and Reinhard Jumamoy to keep their playoff hopes alive.
