Eagles out to settle score vs Stags

Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo tries to get back at NCAA titlist and elimination round tormentor San Sebastian today as the hunt for the two final slots in the UAAP-NCAA Final Showdown hits the crucial stage at the Makati Coliseum.

The Eagles lost to the Stags at the close of the elims last Saturday, 71-61, but have won their first two games in the semis. A victory in the 4 p.m. match against San Sebastian will give Ateneo the first final berth.

San Sebastian sports an even 1-1 record in a tie with University of the East which squares off with St. Benilde at 2 p.m. The Blazers, who lost to the Stags in the NCAA finals last month, are winless after two games in the semis.

As it is, a three-way tie for the top spot will ensue if San Sebastian and UE both win today. In this case, the points-for and points-against among the teams concerned will be used to determine the finalists. This also goes in case of a three-way tie for second.

Meanwhile, the coaches have already been named for the four squads that will see action in the All-Star Games of the series being staged for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163. The All-Star Games will start on Oct. 29 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Joel Banal, who guided Ateneo to the UAAP crown last month, will call the shots for the UAAP All-Star North also made up of players from UST, FEU and UP while Boycie Zamar of UE will coach the All-Star South which include players from La Salle, Adamson and NU.

Turo Valenzoa of San Sebastian will handle the NCAA All-Star East that will also have players from Maapua, Letran and San Beda while Dong Vergeire of St. Benilde was tapped to coach the All-star West with players also coming from PCU, JRU and Perpetual Help.

Five players from each team will be determined by text-in votes while coaches will be given the free hand to select the seven others. Text-in votes are sent to 2331.