National University tries to strengthen its grip on the top spot, while University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University look to bolster their respective semifinal bids in the resumption of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Riding a three-game win streak off a 66-65 escape over Adamson, the relentless Bulldogs, who have already secured their Final Four ticket, look to solidify their place when they tangle with the well-rested Tamaraws who are aiming to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Tip-off is at 4:30 p.m., which goes after the 2 p.m. duel between the Growling Tigers, who are also eyeing to boost their semis drive, and the also-ran University of the East Red Warriors.
Despite its solid run so far, NU remains grounded as it puts more focus on improving its play each day.
“Dapat maging ready pa kami… we have to take care of our own talaga, especially, last stretch na ‘to ng second round, very crucial for us, ‘yong level ng competition namin kailangan kami ‘yong magre-raise ng bar talaga,” said Napa.tama,” he added.
“Hindi ‘yong mga kalaban namin, kami ‘yong magdi-dictate ng bar ng gusto namin… ‘yon ‘yong challenge ko sa team, na kailangan ipakita nila ‘yong best performance nila para ‘yong goal na gusto nilang mangyari is unti-unti makukuha talaga namin ng
With Gelo Santiago currently serving his five-game suspension, the Bulldogs were able to fill the void with Jake Figueroa proving to be effective in the backcourt.
Figueroa, along with Mark Parks, try to guide the squad anew with Omar John, Steve Nash Enriquez, Paul Francisco, Reinhard Jumamoy, and Jolo Manansala providing the support against the FEU side which they previously beat in the first round, 84-68.
Led by combo guards Janrey Pasaol and Jorick Bautista, the Tamaraws, who are fresh off a week-long respite after their 73-70 win over Adamson, are expected to have a killer instinct as they aim to keep an inside track in the Final Four race.
Meanwhile, UST, ailing from an 89-88 loss to reigning champion University of the Philippines, seeks to break its four-game slide and power its way against the John Abate-less UE.
