THE UP FIGHTING Maroons, NU Bulldogs, and DLSU Green Archers all advanced to the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Final Four after defeating their opponents on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With only a few games left, these three teams have already guaranteed a position in the much-anticipated UAAP Final Four. Currently, UP and NU have equal 9-2 win-loss records, while DLSU is the lone team with an 8-3 record.
UP’s Revenge Tour continues!
The number one seeded Fighting Maroons continued their revenge tour, as they were the first to secure their berth in the Final Four, escaping the UE Red Warriors’ late comeback attempt, 79-72.
The Diliman-based squad improved to 9-2 to lead the standings and go to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, which was the greatest answer they could muster following their 88-79 loss to the De La Salle Green Archers last Sunday.
“We were just looking for a bounce-back game after losing the last one,” UP deputy coach Christian Luanzon, speaking on behalf of head coach Goldwin Monteverde, stated. “There are things to improve, especially ‘yung second half namin wherein there were stretches where we were flat.”
“But you know, a win is a win and it was a much-needed win, especially coming off a loss. Just like what coaches say, it’s back to the drawing board for us,” the long-time deputy continued.
After suffering with injuries and missing several games for the team, center Malick Diouf and point guard JD Cagulangan returned to the squad.
UP was led by the reigning MVP, who finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, five steals, two assists, and one block. Cagulangan added nine points, eight assists, two steals, and two rebounds to CJ Cansino’s 17 points.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons will play Far Eastern University at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in an attempt to secure a coveted twice-to-beat incentive.
Gritty NU Bulldogs aim high!
After a 68-57 thrashing of the ailing FEU Tamaraws, the tenacious National University Bulldogs cruised to their second consecutive UAAP Men’s Basketball Final Four appearance.
The Bulldogs improved their record to 9-2, the same as UP, to secure a position in the Final Four for the second consecutive season.
“Kagaya nung sinasabi niyo, we’re in the Final Four.” remarked Bulldogs third-year head coach Jeff Napa. “Hindi naman dito natatapos yun eh. Meron kaming goal. Meron din kaming pangarap na gusto naming ma-achieve.”
“Kaya namin china-challenge yung sarili namin para at least malaman namin kung saan ba talaga kami, kung saan kami aabot,” Napa added, emphasizing the importance of preparing for their battle versus UST.
Jake Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting and 6 rebounds in under 24 minutes of play. Jolo Manansala scored 11 points, and Omar John had 7 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
NU will take care of business as it looks to consolidate its playoff drive against the struggling University of Santo Tomas this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
DLSU Green Archers return to the Final Four!
De La Salle University, the UAAP’s hottest team, was able to earn their return to the Final Four after extending their victory streak to five over Adamson University, 69-57.
The Green Archers rose to 8-3 in third place in the standings after a league-best five-game winning streak that saw them inflict an average winning margin of 14.0 points.
Topex Robinson, the Green Archers’ head coach, was able to return the team to the Final Four in just his first year of UAAP coaching. Under Pumaren, the Green Archers missed the semifinals by one game following an 80-76 playoff loss to the Soaring Falcons.
“We’re just so grateful and blessed to be in this situation right now that we’re in,” said Topex Robinson, head coach. “These guys just never, never gave us. It was really hard coming off that game against UP. They never took a break. They just kept on grinding.”
“Guys are hurt but they just said so be it. These guys really are warriors and we’re just happy that we slugged it out with Adamson and got the win tonight,” Robinson continued.
The Green Archers had amazing, well-balanced offensive scoring, with Ben Phillips being the only player who did not score a single point.
Despite this, MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao led the squad with another double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, as well as three assists, one steal, and one block. Michael Phillips supported him with eight points and 11 rebounds.
Each team will want to continue their excellent play in order to secure a much-needed twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.
For the time being, fans can expect tighter games as the final spot in the Final Four remains up for grabs. Adamson and Ateneo are in fourth place with an identical 5-6 record. The two clubs will square off in a vital contest at the Big Dome on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
