ATENEO de Manila and University of Santo Tomas (UST) clash for a share of the lead in the main game of Season 78 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball action on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles and the Growling Tigers battle at 4 p.m. Season host University of the Philippines (2-2), on the other hand, tries to arrest a two-game skid against defending champion National University (NU) (3-2) at 2 p.m.
Since dropping its opening game to Far Eastern University, 64-88, the Blue Eagles have racked up three straight wins, the last against University of the East, 77-72. UST, on the other hand, had a 3-0 start but were halted by the Bulldogs, 54-55. The winner of the main game joins the Tamaraws at the top of the standings.
“I’m glad we had so much time to prepare against UST because that team is playing very well,” Blue Eagles Head Coach Bo Perasol said. “With our last three wins, I think our team feels confident right now.”
Confidence is what Growling Tigers Head Coach Bong de la Cruz wants his players to bring against Ateneo, especially after absorbing a tough one-point loss to NU.
De la Cruz said breaks didn’t go their way in the final minute of the contest and hopes that his wards have learned from their mistakes and are ready for the important match against the Blue Eagles.
“Ateneo is playing well right now. We will prepare for them,” de la Cruz said.
Meanwhile, NU guns for its third straight win to move to the .500 mark as it faces the skidding Fighting Maroons, who started the season with two straight wins.
“The UP game won’t be a walk in the park,” said Altamirano, whose team is coming off a 75-54 destruction of Adamson University.
“Their defense has improved a lot. They are fundamentally sound. They have the materials this year with the return of Jet Manuel and they have a legitimate center [Cheick Kone],” added Altamirano, who was part of the 1986 UP squad that won its lone UAAP crown.