Bulldogs test mettle of hot Tigers

University of Santo Tomas, enjoying one of its finest starts in years, hopes to sustain its run in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament as it takes on National University, a lightly regarded team that seems to play its best when pitted against the España-based squad.

"Whether they field in a weak or a strong team, they always almost find ways to beat UST in the past," said UST mentor Pido Jarencio in Filipino, referring to the Bulldogs, long considered as the league’s whipping boys but who have beaten the Tigers four times in their last 10 encounters.

That included a sweep in the 2001 season, the year NU made it to the semifinals for the first time since the Final Four format was introduced.

"We always go out there fighting for a win, whether its UST or not," said NU mentor Manny Dandan.

"They have a solid team this year so we have to really watch out," said Jarencio.

UST is on a two-game roll with king-sized wins over defending champion Far Eastern U and pre-season favorite University of the East.

NU, for its part, has dropped three of its first four matches, although two of their setbacks were decided only down the stretch.

The Bulldogs, in fact, shocked the slumping Tams, 73-64, last week, a victory that gave the team some semblance of pride while sending the defending champions to the cellar.

A win for the Tigers (2-1) would put them in a tie with the Warriors at second place behind the Ateneo Eagles, who have swept their first four games.

The lone seniors encounter is set at 4 p.m.

"Both of us like to shoot but I believe defense will play a crucial role in this game," said Dandan.

Jemal Vizcarra remains a doubtful starter today due to a pulled hamstring but his absence seemed to have brought out the best in Jojo Duncil and Jervy Cruz. Duncil churned out a pair of 25-point effort in UST’s two victories.

"He’s a changed man after our first game loss," said Jarencio of his third-year guard. "Before he couldn’t hit his outside shots, now he’s making the crucial ones."