Tams, Eagles dispute top spot

Defending champion Far Eastern University and Ateneo shoot for the No. 1 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage that goes with it as the Tams and the Eagles collide today in what could be a preview of the finals in the 67th UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

Tied atop the standings with identical 10-3 win-loss slates, the Tams and the Eagles clash at 4 p.m. with the winner taking the top spot and a date with No. 4 University of the East Warriors in the Final Four, needing only a win to advance to the finals.

The loser, on the other hand, falls into a tie for second place with La Salle (10-4), which rou ted a listless UE side, 81-61, Thursday to forge a virtual best-of-three for the other championship berth. The playoff is set Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

"It’s going to be a good game because both teams wanted to go in the Final Four being the top seed," said FEU coach Koy Banal.

"I think they have the edge but we’re looking forward to the game. We’re really excited because we know it’s going to be an important game," said Ateneo mentor Sandy Arespacochaga.

With LA Tenorio firing on all cylinders, the Eagles tamed the Tams, 67-64, in their first round encounter on Aug. 8. They did it without injured leader Larry Fonacier.

In that game, Tenorio torched FEU with 26 points after going 10-of-17 from the field. His biggest moment came when he drained a triple down the stretch that sealed Ateneo’s win.

But Banal, however, isn’t going to put special emphasis on defense against Tenorio.

"I’d rather have one guy do all the scoring than worry over five or seven guys," said Banal.

Arespacochaga, on the other hand, is pinning his hopes on his veteran guard, who has been struggling lately.