The streaking Blue Eagles and the inconsistent Green Archers square off at 3 p.m. after University of Santo Tomas (UST) and University of the East (UE) battle at 11 a.m.
The host Blue Eagles are already safe in the Final Four after pulling off a 74-70 squeaker over the Red Warriors on Thursday for their 10th-straight win of the season in as many games to clinch the first slot in the next round.
Ateneo now eyes the twice-to-beat advantage with a win over the Green Archers, who at 4-6 are in danger of missing the Final Four for the second time since the format was instituted in 1994.
De La Salle missed the Final Four in 2009, Franz Pumaren’s last season as head coach of the Taft-based team. His brother, Dindo, is not coaching the team.
With veteran big man Yutien Andrada out of the season due to an ACL injury, the Green Archers now face a daunting task of getting back in the race with Ateneo the first huge obstacle for them to hurdle.
“I believe in our team. The boys have been working hard to get over the hump,” said Pumaren, whose wards are coming off a disappointing 52-60 loss to the Growling Tigers, making them 0-3 in the second round.
Despite La Salle’s struggles, Ateneo mentor Norman Black still urged his players to stay focus and be aggressive.
“It’s always a tough match when we play La Salle regardless of their record,” said Black. “We have to play much better because we had an ‘average’ game last time out.”
The Blue Eagles prevailed, 81-72, in their first-round duel with the Green Archers this season.
(Joel Orellana)
