Games Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
3:30 pm – FEU vs La Salle
6:30 pm – NU vs UST
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Defending champion La Salle tries to extend its amazing winning streak to 8 games when the Archers battle the rejuvenated Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Mall of Asia Arena.
Already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis with a league’s best of 10-1 mark, the Archers are once again installed heavy favorites in their 3:30 p.m. showdown with the Tamaraws whom they beat 68-62 in the first round.
Though they are on a roll, the Archers can’t take the Tamaraws for granted for obvious reason.
“So what’s important for us is to rest, for a few days and then go back [to practice], because FEU is also doing well. They’re really a well-oiled machine, so we cannot really relax,” said La Salle coach Topex Robinson.
“So for us, we said it’s still a long way to go, so we cannot stop working,” he added.
After a rocky start, the Tamaraws have been doing well in the second round, winning all but one of their four games that improved their record to 4-7.
Equally worth watching is the 6:30 p.m. clash between National University and University of Santo Tomas.
Like FEU, UST (5-6) and NU (3-8) are still capable of overtaking third-running University of the East which is carrying a 6-5 mark.
So expect fierce action, perhaps another wild finish when the Tigers try to repeat over the Bulldogs.
One thing going for the Bulldogs is that they are still fresh from a massive 67-47 upset of second running University of the Philippines
But theTaft-based squad can always count on Kevin Quiambao, who tallied career-high 33 points in their commanding 80-65 win over bitter rival Ateneo the last time.