THE Adamson Soaring Falcons will have an opportunity to create mayhem in the tightening race for the best seats of the Final Four semifinals of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philipines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
This is what’s going to happen if the Soaring Falcons prevail in their 4 p.m. showdown with the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Mall of Asia Arena.
If Adamson wins by 30 points or less, and the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws prevail in their 2 p.m. match with the University of the East then Ateneo-Adamson playoff for the no. 2, seeding will take place.
On the other hand FEU will take the fourth seed.
In another scenario, if Adamson wins by 31 points or more, and FEU wins, an FEU-Adamson playoff for the no. 2 happens, and Ateneo settles for the no. 4.
Coach Franz Pumaren is aware of the scenarios that can happen, and is hopeful that his players can give the Blue Eagles a good fight.
“Basically, Ateneo is playing well. They have a new aura. They are very confident. Hopefully, we can give them a good fight that the fans can enjoy,” remarked Pumaren.
Last Sunday, the Soaring Falcons, led by Pappi Sarr with 22 points and 15 rebounds, continued their push for their best finish in many seasons, trouncing the National University Bulldogs, 77-53.
Their fourth straight win handed the Soaring Falcons their eighth triumph in 13 outings, and this put them in a share of third with the Tams.
The Blue Eagles are on a five-game winning streak and are in second at 9-4.
If Ateneo wins and FEU is victorious also, Ateneo will take no. 2 position, while FEU is no. 3 Adamson is no. 4
Blue Eagle coach Tab Baldwin said he is aware of the many expectations coming into their game with Adamson.
“I think we understand that the expectations have begun to escalate a bit,” said Baldwin.
On the other hand, the Tams are out to bounce back from a three-game skid.
FEU coach Nash Racela believes that whether they have the twice-to-beat advantage or not, they will come into the Final Four more confident.
“It was never in my mind, getting the twice-to-beat advantage. If it comes, it comes,” he said.
Games Today
(at the MOA Arena)
2 p.m. UE vs FEU
4 p.m. Adamson vs Ateneo
