By Waylon Galvez
Games Today (Smart Araneta
Coliseum)
2 p.m. – Asamson vs UE
4 p.m. – UST vs UP
Already assured of a Final Four berth, Adamson targets a twice-to-beat bonus in the next round while University of the Philippines tries to move closer to making it to the next stage for the first time in more than 20 years as they face separate opponents today in the 81st UAAP men’s basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Falcons take on also-ran University of the East Red Warriors at 2 p.m., while the Fighting Maroons battle University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 4 p.m.
Adamson (9-3) joined defending champion Ateneo (10-2) in the Final Four following its 96-83 win over UST last Wednesday, and a victory over UE will give the team of coach Franz Pumaren the second twice-to-beat incentive.
A setback, however, will keep De La Salle – one game behind Adamson with an 8-4 card – in the race for the No. 2 spot.
Pumaren cautioned his players not to take UE easy, knowing the Red Warriors have nothing to lose in this match.
“Sometimes it is scary to play a team that has been already eliminated. It’s not a sure win,” said Pumaren. “We are almost there to get that twice-to-beat incentive and we are aiming for that.”
Another way for Adamson to clinch the semifinals bonus is a victory of Ateneo – also aiming for a twice-to-beat advantage – beats archrival De La Salle.
