Reigning champion University of the Philippines tries to clinch the semifinal bonus when they tackle Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Fresh off a 70–65 win over Adamson to punch their semis ticket, the Fighting Maroons (9-3) aim to strengthen their Final Four run by clinching the twice-to-beat incentive against the Blue Eagles (5-6) in their 4:30 p.m. showdown.
De La Salle (6-5), meanwhile, looks to keep its hold on the fourth spot when they meet Adamson (5-7) at 1:30 p.m.
For head coach Goldwin Monteverde, he emphasized the importance of his wards’ maturity in terms of stepping up when their teammates were struggling, a trait that becomes more vital in the nearing semis.
“Sa akin vina-value namin ‘yong ganon, having teammates to step up and knowing na tuwing may challenge sa loob, somebody’s got their back, coming from the bench,” said Monteverde.
“‘Di naman araw-araw papabor sa atin, importante lang is as a team, bawat isa samin harapin ang dapat naming harapin,” he added. “Hence, ang maganda rito they’re responding sa mga challenge.”
Expected to lead the Diliman-based squad are Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, and Terrence Fortea alongside Gani Stevens, Noy Remogat and Francis Nnoruka.
A win would be big for the Maroons as it would seal them the last twice-to-beat advantage along with the league-leading National University (11-2).
Ateneo, which is coming from a 67-59 loss to UST, is banking on Kymani Ladi, Dom Escobar, Shawn Tuano, Divine Adili, Jaden Lazo, and Jared Bahay.
The Tab Baldwin-mentored crew is also eyeing to exact its revenge after bowing to UP, 83-69, in their first encounter last Oct. 8, at the same venue.
Meanwhile, La Salle and Adamson are set for a crucial tiff that will heavily affect their current standings with both squads jockeying for positions in the tight Final Four race.
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