The UE Red Warriors need to do just one thing to get into the UAAP Final Four for the first time since 2009 — win.
The UE Red Warriors have arguably the easiest route to take for that last spot in the Final Four of UAAP Season 87, that is they only have to win their last game of the elimination round on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
But, when their opponents are a motivated UP Fighting Maroons team, the task is anything but easy.
After the UST Growling Tigers claimed the third semis spot with their win over Adamson on Saturday, November 16, the Red Warriors’ road to the Final Four became clearer. But now in the midst of a four-game losing streak, UE needs to dig deep in order to avoid a stinging disappointment.
[RELATED: UAAP: UST rides third quarter surge to book Final Four slot at expense of Adamson]
During their close loss against the Ateneo Blue Eagles earlier this week, the Final Four was almost within reach for the Red Warriors for the first time since 2009 — should they have won that game, they would’ve sealed their place in the semis.
But squandering their late-game advantage with an 11-2 run from the Blue Eagles, UE saw themselves tumble down to 6-7 with a game remaining in their schedule — their last gasp try at an outright berth.
[RELATED: UAAP: Ateneo snaps three-game slump, denies UE outright Final Four spot]
After coming out with the short end on a number of tries, the Red Warriors are expected to go all out against last year’s runners-up.
Nigerian big man Precious Momowei is also expected to return for UE after serving his one-game suspension, providing a boost to UE's cause. But with the Fighting Maroons eager to take a two-game win streak heading into the Final Four, UE will likely face a dog fight.
However, if the Red Warriors lose against UP, there is still a chance that they make the Final Four — thanks to the wins they saved up during that crucial five-game win streak during the first round.
UE makes the Final Four outright even with a loss if Adamson loses its final game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles next Saturday, November 23.
If Adamson forces Ateneo’s hand and gets the win, both UE and Adamson will have identical 6-8 slates at the end of 14 games.
Both teams will then play in a knockout game for the no. 4 slot. The 4-seed will face defending champions La Salle armed with a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.