UNIVERSITY of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol begins serving his three-game suspension but even without the veteran tactician, the Maroons are expected to come out like a raging bull when they face the Far Eastern Tamaraws today in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After experiencing some scary moments the first time they clashed, the Maroons need to raise their level of play a notch higher in their 4 p.m. showdown if they are to dedicate today’s game to their coach.
Perasol’s suspension was upgraded to three matches for his “continued flagrant acts of aggression.”
UP did appeal to reduce the punishment but league basketball commissioner Jensen Ilagan denied its motion for reconsideration.
The Maroons decided to stay focused in bolstering their system instead of dwelling on their situation with assistant coach Ricky Dandan taking the reins in Perasol’s absence.
“Tuluy-tuloy lang kami. Hindi kami magpapa-apekto kasi importante sa amin yung three games na to,” said team captain Jun Manzo. “Kailangang makuha namin yung goal which is makapasok sa Final Four, tapos makapasok ulit sa Finals.”
“Ang good thing dito is masusubukan yung chemistry namin as a team. Wala man si Coach Bo, susubukan naming ipanalo ito para sa kanya.”
Out to keep UP’s fire burning are Kobe Paras, reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie and brothers Javi and Juan Gomez De Liaño.
Meanwhile, FEU seeks a different outcome from its 61-55 loss to UP in the first meeting on opening day to hike its 3-4 mark in the middle standings.
Ending the first round with an 83-71 win over the Adamson Falcons, the Tamaraws are slated to toughen their assault bannered by LJ Gonzales, Pat Tchuente and Barkley Ebona.
Also out to resume their bid are National University (2-5) and La Salle 3-4) at 2 p.m. (Kristel Satumbaga)
