Rampagin’ Archers go for No.12

The countdown continues for La Salle today when it takes on Far Eastern University hoping to nail its 12th straight victory and move closer toward a projected sweep of the elimination round in the UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Archers have won eleven games in a row this year and are just getting stronger by the day as they seek a fifth straight crown under coach Franz Pumaren. Up next for La Salle after today’s game are University of the Philippines and bitter rival Ateneo.

The game against the Tamaraws is set at 4 p.m. right after the 2 p.m. tussle between National University, out of it all with a 1-11 record, and University of the East, running second with a 9-3 record.

Pumaren, who won his first four crowns with a team bannered by Ren Ren Ritualo, just couldn’t deny the fact that he and his Archers have already set their minds on the sweep, a feat last achieved by the Santo Tomas Tigers on their way to the 1993 title.

"Of course, we’re going for the sweep. I’d be a hypocrite if we deny that. But it’s easier said than done. We have to work hard," said Pumaren. La Salle defeated FEU in the first round, 85-71.

"But that was not the real FEU squad. So, I expect a better game from the Tamaraws the next time we meet," said Pumaren of the 1997 champions, still in the hunt for the last two Final Four slots with its 5-6 card.

If the Archers go and complete the sweep, they will move on to the finals while the No. 3 and 4 teams slug it out for the right to meet the No. 2 squad in a one-game playoff. The winner will then face La Salle in a best-of-three title series.

The Warriors, who came close to beating the Archers last week, will assure themselves of the No. 2 spot with a victory over the Bulldogs, back to its dubious role as the league’s whipping boys.