THE faltering defending champions National University Bulldogs try to breathe life to their drive for a Final Four berth when they battle the De La Salle Green Archers in the main game today in the 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs and the Green Archers, both coming off losses, last weekend, play at 4 p.m., right after the match between top semifinal qualifier Far Eastern University Tamaraws, who are eyeing a twice-to-beat advantage, against the Adamson Falcons at 2 p.m.
The Bulldogs are currently at fifth place with a 4-7 mark, half a game adrift of the Green Archers, who carry an even 5-5 record.
Last Saturday, the Archers tried to move closer to at least a playoff for the semifinals, but were derailed by the Falcons, who nipped the Archers, 75-74.
But despite the loss, La Salle coach Juno Sauler remained upbeat of their chances of making it to the Final Four.
“We just have to keep playing in our last four games,” said Sauler, who added that the team learned a valuable lesson after the loss to the Falcons.
“We could not make shots and we could not defend,” said Sauler.
The Tamaraws, who sport a league-best 9-1 slate, are also not taking things for granted against the Falcons.
The Tamaraws advanced into the Final Four for the third straight season and are focused to earn the no. 1 seeding in a race with the second-running University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (9-2).
But despite all this, FEU coach Nash Racela remains wary of the Falcons.
“They (Adamson) gave us a scare in the first round. (Pape) Sarr is playing really really well. We will try to stop him,” said Racela. Peter Atencio
FEU guard Mike Tolomia hurt his ankle in their 71-67 victory last Saturday over University of the East, but is expected to suit up today to again partner with prolific big man Mac Belo.