University of Santo Tomas guns for its third straight win, while De La Salle University tries to recover when they battle separate foes in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Oct. 15.
On the heels of a 98-89 triple-overtime triumph over Ateneo, the Growling Tigers look to feast on their next prey as they face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws with a victory earning them a share of the lead.
Game time is set at 5 p.m., following the men’s action opener between the Green Archers and University of the East Red Warriors at 3 p.m.
Emerging as one of the top title contenders, UST continues to carry the momentum with Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabañero leading the way in their last two assignments in the first round.
“Talagang inaasahan namin na mas matindi ‘yong mga challenges this season, we’re hoping lang that we continue this run and just stick to the plan,” said Padrigao, who went clutch in his homecoming at the Blue Eagle Gym last weekend.
“Hindi naman mangyayari ‘to [mga panalo namin] kundi sa mga tiwala na binibigay ng mga coaches namin,” Cabañero added.
Holding a 4-1 card, the España-based squad leans on the two veteran guards along with Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo, Mark Llemit, Amiel Acido and Kyle Paranada backing them up.
Inspired to bounce back from their 69-66 loss to University of the Philippines, Jorick Bautista, Mo Konateh, and Janrey Pasaol spearhead the Tamaraws as FEU shoots for its second win.
It would be an exciting clash for big men Akowe and Konateh as the two foreign student-athletes (FSAs) have so far showcased their tenacity inside the paint.
Meanwhile, La Salle, which absorbed its second straight loss with an 82-78 setback to National University, is out to redeem itself against UE.
With Mason Amos being sidelined due to a knee injury, the Green Archers would most likely tap Mike Phillips to take care of business with the help of shifty playmakers Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan.
“Again, we need to get better, compared to our last game… lot of things to learn, we’re a young team, it’s nice to make mistakes this early, para at least we still have a chance to get better,” said head coach Topex Robinson. “We have everybody… we’ve prepared to this type of situation”
However, it wouldn’t be a piece of cake as the Red Warriors remain hungry than ever after suffering their 10th straight loss – starting from Season 87's second round – off a 77-62 defeat to Adamson.
John Abate banners UE once more alongside Precious Momowei, DJ Robles, Wello Lingolingo, and Tope Lagat.
In the women's contest, UST stakes its pristine record against FEU in their 7 p.m. showdown, while La Salle and UE hope to break their respective losing streaks at 12 noon. The junior games, on the other hand, feature La Salle vs UE (7:30 a.m.) and UST vs FEU (9:30 a.m.).
