The FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs aim to build on big wins last week to continue Final Four push.
The FEU Tamaraws and the NU Bulldogs will look to ride the momentum of their big wins over Final Four contending teams last weekend as they try to catch up to the upper half of the standings in UAAP Season 87.
After convincing wins over UE and UP, FEU and NU will face other semis contenders as the finals stretch of elimination games roll on. Meanwhile, the UP Fighting Maroons and the DLSU Green Archers meet for a grudge match in Round 2.
With teams continuing to jockey for position ahead of the FIBA break and the Final Four, the action is expected to ramp up. Let’s take a look at the games slated this week with three jam-packed days of men’s hoops.
November 6, 2024 (Wednesday) - Mall of Asia Arena
FEU vs La Salle - 3:30 p.m.
The FEU Tamaraws (4-7) are riding high after winning against the UE Red Warriors over the weekend. But they will be up against a bigger fish in defending champions La Salle in the opening game of men’s action on Wednesday.
Armed with a 3-1 slate in the second round, FEU will be facing a well-rested Kevin Quiambao and Green Archers (10-1) who have not played since October 26. FEU will ride on back-to-back big games from ace rookie Veejay Pre.
With a twice-to-beat advantage already assured for La Salle, they’ll be looking to lock up the 1-seed by stopping the streaking Tamaraws. Currently, the Tamaraws have won three of their last four games in the second half of the season.
NU vs UST - 6:30 p.m.
Fresh off of the biggest upset so far in the season, the NU Bulldogs (3-8) will look to be a thorn on the side of the UST Growling Tigers (5-6) who just recently snapped their own losing slump.
After finding their mark against the Fighting Maroons on Sunday, Jeff Napa’s wards are going into their next game with a lot of momentum.
But the Growling Tigers, who are aiming to cling on to that Final Four spot, will do their best to clamp down on Pat Yu and Jake Figueroa in their own backyard in Pasay City for the main game of the night.
November 9, 2024 (Saturday) - Smart Araneta Coliseum
FEU vs Ateneo - 3:30 p.m.
Previously being much closer in the standings, the FEU Tamaraws are eager to create more distance against the Ateneo Blue Eagles (3-8) in their second round encounter as UAAP men’s hoops returns to the Big Dome.
Top rookies Veejay Pre and Jared Bahay clash with the Tamaraws seeking a season sweep against Tab Baldwin and the Blue Eagles. But in the middle of a four-game losing streak, the Blue Eagles are expected to fight tooth and nail to get back to their winning ways.
With the game going into overtime in their first-round encounter, the matchup promises to be a good one.
UE vs UST - 6:30 p.m.
The UE Red Warriors and the UST Growling Tigers are headed for a crucial encounter in the main game on Saturday, with both teams seeking to tighten their hold on the Final Four spot.
After each going through tough patches in the season, the two schools are seeking to end their respective schools’ Final Four drought. A win over the other may just make the difference to clinch one of the coveted semis spots.
With a number of the midfield teams still in the running for the fourth spot, a win for either UE or UST will be a big advantage to get into the next round.
November 10, 2024 (Sunday) - Smart Araneta Coliseum
Adamson vs NU - 2:00 p.m.
The Adamson Soaring Falcons (4-7) breathed life back into their Final Four bid following a win over UE last Wednesday. Rejuvenated with a lengthy break, they’re expected to push the issue against the NU Bulldogs.
Coming out with better vigor after a tough string of games in the second round, the Soaring Falcons are ready to compete again for a spot in the semis. But NU, who are also looking to make up ground, will have a lot to say about it.
The clash between the Soaring Falcons and the Bulldogs will serve as a prelude to the finals match up slated later Sunday.
UP vs La Salle - 6:30 p.m.
After their heated match up in Round 1, the UP Fighting Maroons (9-2) and the DLSU Green Archers are back for more as they meet for the last time in the elimination round.
Coming off of a surprising loss against the NU Bulldogs, UP will be hard pressed for a victory that will not only atone for the loss and avoid a sweep by La Salle against them, but will also assure them of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
But due to the off-court brouhaha brought about by the alleged spitting incident between UP’s Reyland Torres and DLSU head coach Topex Robinson, there surely won’t be any shortage of motivation for the Green Archers to reassert their mastery over UP.
Currently, La Salle has won three straight games against their rivals — bridging from last year’s three-game series in the finals.