Archers,Tigers duel crucial in drive for semis 4

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coach Louie Gonzalez and Santo Tomas counterpart Aldin Ayo both stressed that their respective squads’ second-round duel today at Ynares Center in Antipolo is important not because of the personalities involved but because of its impact on the Final Four bids of the Green Archers and the Tigers.

The Archers stand No. 3 with 6-4 and can move closer to the second-running team, idle Adamson (8-2), with a victory in the 2 p.m. duel while the Tigers (5-5) can force DLSU, their first-round tormentor, to a tie for third with a payback.

“It’s still the same approach for us, one game at a time.. Especially in this second round, every win counts,” said Gonzalez, whose wards come off a 65-57 disposal of Far Eastern last week. “It’s really a competitive season so you’ll need all the wins you can get. And I believe we will only determine the Final Four cast in the last playdate.”