Games Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
8 a.m. – NU vs FEU (U16)
10 a.m. – UST vs La Salle (U16)
12 p.m. – NU vs FEU (women’s)
2 p.m. – NU vs FEU (men’s)
4:30 p.m. – UST vs La Salle (men’s)
7 p.m. – UST vs La Salle (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Host University of Santo Tomas and La Salle gun for a share of the early lead when they lock horns in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The Green Archers and the Growling Tigers are both aiming to keep abreast with the undefeated Ateneo (2-0) atop the standings at the end of their interesting 4:30 p.m. showdown.
Raising the curtain in the men’s action at 2 p.m. is the face-off between National University (1-0) and Far Eastern University (0-1) with the Bulldogs, likewise, hoping to get a share of the lead.
For the Tigers, they are hoping to hit two birds with one stone – one for a first 2-0 start since UAAP Season 82 (2019) and two, to snap an almost decade-long, 16-game losing streak against the Green Archers.
Although still early into the season, head coach Topex Robinson is reminding his wards to cherish every opportunity as the Taft-based squad tries to win another title with athletic forward Mike Phillips leading the charge.
“With what Mike said about how we enjoyed this experience together. Especially, we’re counting the days of Mike as far as his UAAP career is concerned,” said Robinson.
“So we just want to make each and every opportunity for us to really enjoy it and be in the moment,” he added. “Well, that’s how you build trust. You let them play.”
Jacob Cortez, who put up an impressive 16-point, four-rebound, four-assist, and two-steal performance in his UAAP seniors debut over Adamson, 60-58, last weekend, tries to replicate his superb outing as he takes on fellow talented guard in Forthsky Padrigao.
Also in the spotlight is the looming inside battle between Phillips and UST super rookie Collins Akowe. Keann Baclaan, for his part, hopes to improve his dismal 1-point outing in La Salle’s opener as well Mason Amos, who despite draining a crucial trey finished with only six points.
Padrigao is set to make his debut for UST after serving a one-game suspension. The Tigers , however, were hardly bothered as they essayed an 87-67 beatdown of reigning champion University of the Philippines at their home court.
There, Akowe stood out in his maiden game in the collegiate ranks after producing 29 points, 17 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, making him one of the most anticipated players this year.
Meanwhile, fresh off a 72-57 win over UE last Sunday, NU is slightly favored against FEU, which is aiming to recover from its 86-83 setback to Ateneo.
Jake Figueroa leads the way for the Bulldogs with Paul Francisco, Ken Padrones, Omar John, and Steve Nash Enriquez taking the supporting roles. FEU, on the other hand, banks on its talented duo in Janrey Pasaol and Jorick Bautista.
In women’s side, NU begins its title defense campaign against FEU at 12 noon, while UST-La Salle duel serves as a closer at 7 p.m. Juniors division begins at 8 a.m. with NU facing FEU, which will be followed by UST and La Salle at 10 a.m.
