WITH two games left in their eliminations campaign, reigning two-time champion Nazareth School of National University and Far Eastern University-Diliman are determined not to blink and give themselves a chance for a top two finish rewarded with a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
The Bullpups and Baby Tamaraws try to keep their bid for a lofty target alive when they clash with separate foes tomorrow, Saturday, in the 85th UAAP juniors’ basketball tournament at the Paco Arena.
NSNU takes on La Salle Zobel at 4 p.m., out to hike its 10-2 mark after University of Santo Tomas faces also-ran University of the Philippines Integrated School at 2 o’clock.
FEU-D collides with eliminated University of the East in the curtain-raiser at 9 a.m. before pacesetting Adamson High School crosses paths with Ateneo at 11 o’clock.
The Bullpups will go into the tiff on a high, having scored a 90-82 win over the Junior Red Warriors last Wednesday.
The likes of Reinhard Jumamoy, Aga Clarito, Klein Tagotongan, and RJ Colonia are expected to show the way for NSNU.
The Junior Archers, coming off a 52-66 loss to the Bay Falcons two days ago, will lean on Rhyle Melencio and Kieffer Alas in their attempt to improve their 4-8 slate and stay in the semifinals race.
“Ang ganda ng inilaro nila compared to first round namin. Ang ganda ng adjustments nila,” Baby Tams coach Allan Albano said after his wards blasted the Junior Fighting Maroons 81-67 last Wednesday.
“Hindi kami naka-adjust sa zone defense nila kaya kailangan namin balikan iyong zone offense namin,” he added.
VJ Pre, John Rey Pasaol, Dwyne Miranda, Kirby Mongcopa, and Liam Salangsang will carry the fight for FEU-D.
