TEAM STANDINGS
La Salle 8-1
UP 7-1
UE 5-3
UST 4-5
Adamson 3-5
FEU 3-6
Ateneo 2-6
NU 2-7
Games Saturday
(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)
12 p.m. – Ateneo vs UST
3:30 p.m. – Adamson vs La Salle
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Defending champion La Salle goes for its sixth straight win while University Santo Tomas battles long-time rival Ateneo right before its supporters as the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament goes to UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The Green Archers (8-1) and the Adamson Soaring Falcons (3-5) clash at 3:30 p.m. with the former out to match the season’s longest streak of six which is owned by the UP Maroons.
But all eyes will be on the 12 noon showdown between the Tigers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
With both teams needing a win to shore up their respective Final Four chanxes, expect a tense but exciting duel.
The Tigers are toting a 4-5 card, while the Eagles, with a 2-6 record, should raise their game a notch higher if they are to post their first back-to-back wins in the season.
For the Tigers to prevail, Nic Cabanero, who sizzled for 23 points the last time, should find his range early. Same thing for Forthsky Padrigao, Kyle Paranada, and Cristian Manaytay.
Mo Tounkara is is uncertain whether he can suit for UST after committing two technical fouls the last time.
La Salle coach Topex Robinson also sees a tight finish as he is expecting tougher games against anybody as the tournament enters its critical stage.
“We always remind ourselves that every team will really be all out, you know, competing against us,” said Robinson moments after La Salle’s 94-87 overtime victory over the Tigers (4-5) last Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I mean, this is what being a defending champion gives you. I mean, all teams will really play their best and base their season in the times that they’re going to face you,” he added.
Kevin Quiambao, the league’s reigning MVP, was the hero for the Taft-based crew after listing his career-high 29 points on top of 9 rebounds and 3 assists.
He is again expected to join forces with Mike Phillips, EJ Gollena, Raven Gonzales and Henry Agunnane.
Still reeling from a 76-72 loss to FEU (3-6), Adamson must squeeze the best out of Matthew Montebon, AJ Fransman, John Calisay and Cedrick Manzano to have a better chance to stun the Archers.
