ATENEO and National University go for broke in the UAAP Season 80 juniors basketball finals’ decider today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Bullpups forced the winner-take-all following Game 2’s 70-67 victory, foiling the Blue Eaglets’ quest for perfection.
Coach Joe Silva remains positive despite the loss that ended his team’s 14-game winning run, as Ateneo still has one more shot of capturing a record 19th title — and the first title in three years.
“That’s why we won Game 1, we still have a chance. Although it’s got to hurt (Game 2 defeat),” said Silva.
The Eaglets are eyeing to have prized center Kai Sotto rediscover his form in the Finals opener, where the 7’1” sophomore tallied a triple-double highlighted by 11 blocks.
“I can’t speak about Kai. Maybe it’s a distraction because of the media attention after Game 1. Hindi naman lumabas ang pagkabata niya. Maybe he wasn’t in his self,” said Silva.
NU guard Cyril Gonzales is suspended for the 4 p.m. match for kicking Allan Tañedo, while going for the ball in front of Ateneo bench at the 7:54 mark of the third period.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde will be hoping that someone steps up in lieu of suspended Gonzales, who was solid in the entire playoffs for the Bullpups.
“We have to take it for what it is and find a way kung paano maglaro without him,” said Monteverde.
NU is in a good position to win the championship on an even-numbered season once more. Under then coach Jeff Napa, the Bullpups emerged victorious in Seasons 78, 76 and 74.