Games Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
7:30 a.m. – La Salle vs UE (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UST vs FEU (16U)
12 p.m. – La Salle vs UE (women’s)
3 p.m. – La Salle vs UE (men’s)
5 p.m. – UST vs FEU (men’s)
7 p.m. – UST vs FEU (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Host University of Santo Tomas guns for a third straight win, while La Salle tries to recover lost ground when they collide against their separate foes in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Their confidence further boosted by a classic 98-89 triple-overtime triumph over Ateneo over the weekend, the Growling Tigers are naturally installed heavy favorites over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in their 5 p.m. showdown.
Like the last time out, the game will have a significant bearing for the Tigers since a victory would earn them a share of the lead with National University.
Clashing at 3 p.m. are the La Salle Archers and UE Warriors with the latter determined to end their bleeding after losing their first four games of the season and 10th overall since last year.
Emerging as one of the current top contenders, UST continues to carry the momentum with Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabañero leading the way as the two veterans led them to a strong finish in their last two games in the first round.
“Talagang inaasahan namin na mas matindi ‘yong mga challenges this season, we’re hoping lang that we continue this run and just stick to the plan,” said Padrigao, who was clutch in his homecoming at the Blue Eagle Gym last weekend.
“Hindi naman mangyayari ‘to [mga panalo namin] kundi sa mga tiwala na binibigay ng mga coaches namin,” Cabañero added.
Holding a 4-1 card, the España-based squad can also count on two veteran guards along with Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo, Mark Llemit, Amiel Acido and Kyle Paranada backing them up.
Inspired to bounce back from their 69-66 loss to University of the Philippines, Jorick Bautista, Mo Konateh, and Janrey Pasaol spearhead the Tamaraws as FEU shoots for its second win.
It would be an exciting clash for big men Akowe and Konateh as the two foreign student-athletes (FSAs) have been showcasing their tenacity and ferocity of late, and so are Pasaol and Cabañero.
Meanwhile, La Salle, which sustained its second straight loss via an 82-78 setback to National University, is out to redeem itself against UE.
With Mason Amos being sidelined due to a knee injury, the Green Archers are likely to make Mike Phillips the focal point of their attack, along with Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan at forefront.
“Again, we need to get better, compared to our last game… lot of things to learn, we’re a young team, it’s nice to make mistakes this early, para at least we still have a chance to get better,” said head coach Topex Robinson. “We have everybody… we’ve prepared to this type of situation”
John Abate banners UE once more alongside Precious Momowei, DJ Robles, Wello Lingolingo, and Tope Lagat.
In the women’s contest, UST stakes its pristine record against FEU in their 7 p.m. showdown, while La Salle and UE hope to snap their respective losing streaks at 12 noon. U16 games, on the other hand, feature La Salle vs UE (7:30 a.m.) and UST vs FEU (9:30 a.m.)
