Games Saturday
(FilOil EcoOil Centre, San Juan City)
2 pm – UP vs FEU
6:30 pm – UST vs Adamson
By MARK REY MONTEJO
It’s now or never for the remaining Final Four hopefuls in University of Santo Tomas, Adamson, and Far Eastern University when they plunge into action in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The race for the last two semis berths was further intensified following the defeat of University of the East to also-ran Ateneo last Wednesday, giving UST, Adamson and FEU a ray of hope of making it to the next round.
With a 5-8 record, the Tamaraws, however, must win their last game against the semis-bound University of the Philippines Maroons at 2 p.m. to stay in contention for at least a playoff for the last semis berth.
But all eyes will be on the 6:30 p.m. duel between UST and streaking Adamson, a game both teams desperately want to win no matter what it takes.
A win by the Tigers would ensure the Espana-based squad to finish at No. 3 at the close of the double-round elims provided UP beats UE (6-7) again.
But if the Falcons would emerge triumphant, they would be assured of a playoff slot.
Like UE, UST is also sporting a 6-7 record, slightly ahead of the Falcons who are holding a 5-7 card.
Reigning titlist La Salle (12-2) and UP (9-3) are not only assured of semis slots but both will enjoy twice-to-beat advantages in the next round on account of their superior records.
The Maroons are hoping to keep their mastery over the Tamaraws whom they beat 69-58 last Sept. 22. For that to happen, coach Goldwin Monteverde should squeeze the best out of JD Cagulangan, Jacob Bayla, Sean Torculas, Reyland Torres and Francis Lopez.
On the other side, FEU will be banking heavily on Janrey Pasaol, Mo Konateh, Rojan Montemayor, Royce Alforque and Jorick Bautista.
One thing going for the Falcons is that they will go into the game enjoying a big psychological advantage over the Tigers having beaten then, 69-56, in the first round.
“Practice, scout kami, gawa kami gameplan para dito sa mga bata. Let’s see, bilog ang bola eh, tyaka di basta-basta ‘tong Adamson” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.
“Stay ready lang kami, alam naman ng mga coaches ginagawa nila, gawin lang namin best namin,” Nic Cabañero added.
Apart from Cabañero, Jarencio can also count on Forthsky Padrigao, Kyle Paranada, Mo Tounkara, and Christian Manaytay.
Adamson, which is seeking to extend its winning run to three games, has AJ Fransman, Mat Montebon, Cedrick Manzano, Matthew Erolon and John Calisay at the forefront.
