Bulldogs’ eyes on Final Four

MANILA, Philippines — National U aims to secure the second Final Four ticket as it takes on also-ran University of the East in the homestretch of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Though assured of at least a playoff for one of the four seats, the  Bulldogs want no complications and would rather  get an outright berth with a win against the Red Warriors at 2:30 p.m.

The UP Fighting Maroons, who are already in, seek a sure Top-2 finish for the seventh straight season – along with a twice-to-beat edge – against Far Eastern U at 5 p.m.

Sporting an 8-3 card, NU sits at solo second but faces challenge with reigning champion La Salle (6-5), FEU (6-5) and Santo Tomas (6-6) in hot pursuit.

At 5-7, Ateneo and Adamson are clinging to slim hopes with two games left but they no longer have control of their fates in the race for the F4 berths.

UP is the only one in safe territory at 9-2, built on seven victories in a row. UE (1-11)  is out.