FAR Eastern University-Diliman guns for its first title in four years against National University in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 79 juniors’ basketball championship today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Tipoff is at 2 p.m.
The Baby Tamaraws pulled off a stunning 66-65 victory over the Bullpups last Tuesday, and for coach Allan Albano, closing out is the hardest thing to do.
“Nawalan kami ng killer instinct kaya ang baba ng score namin, nine points lang sa fourth quarter. ‘Yung fluidity ng offense, nawala,” said Albano.
After trailing early in the game, FEU-Diliman took the upperhand and was in control until in the final five minutes, where it suffered a scoring drought that allowed NU to storm back before falling short.
The Baby Tamaraws are very much aware that limiting Bullpups’ ace John Lloyd Clemente, who came through with 25 points in Game 1, need a lot of effort.
Also, FEU-Diliman is also working out on how to lessen the touches of NU frontliners Rhayyan Amsali and Karl Peñano in the shaded lane.
For the Baby Tamaraws, LJ Gonzales, Kenji Roman, Xyrus Torres and Jack Gloria will play vital roles in their bid to repeat over the Bullpups.
Gonzales was solid with his double-double effort of 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 1.
NU mentor Jeff Napa remains upbeat of turning this short series around and force a deciding Game 3 on Monday.
“Kahit na ang sama ng game namin, we lost by (only) one point. Nandoon pa rin ‘yung fire at hunger ng team to bounce back,” said Napa.
Game today
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
2 p.m. – FEU vs NU (Jrs Finals)