Maroons take on cellar-dwelling Tigers

Games Saturday
(Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (women)
11 a.m. – UP vs UST (women)
2 p.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (men)
4 p.m. – UP vs UST (men)

MANILA, Philippines – Vengeful University of the Philippines attempts to zero in on a first-round sweep when it shoots for win No. 5 against the listless University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Still unbeaten in four games for their best start since 1997, the league-leading Maroons could move closer to wiping out the first stage with another clinic against the winless Tigers to stay on track of a successful title retention bid.

Game time is at 4 p.m. after the battle between Ateneo (2-2) and FEU (0-4) at 2 p.m.

Save for a narrow 80-76 overtime win over Far Eastern U last Wednesday, UP has been head and shoulders above the rest with convincing wins against Adamson, 68-51, University of the East, 84-69, and National University, 78-60.

That should serve as a stern warning for the opposition from the hoopers from Diliman, who ended a 36-year title drought in Season 84 and in the process denied Ateneo a four-peat championship. UP just fell short against its Katipunan rival in three games in Season 85 for a runner-up finish.

Now, the Maroons as the only unbeaten team are looking like a hungry unit determined to exact vengeance and run away from rival chasers but they are still far from being contented amidst an unblemished campaign.

“Being comfortable is a word you rarely hear in our locker room because no team in this league is a pushover," said assistant coach Christian Luanzon.

"As what head coach Goldwin (Monteverde) would say, every game is a chance to grow. Hopefully, as we continue to grow, it would translate to wins. Napaka-importante rin sa amin not to take anyone lightly and to play confidently, but at the same time give the respect that is due to them.”

The Pido Jarencio-mentored Tigers, albeit winless in four games, are out to give the Maroons a run for their own money, emphasizing an unwavering belief to turn their fortunes around without having to press the panic button just yet.

“I don’t think it’s the time to press the panic button yet. Honestly, I still believe in the team, especially our players who are playing. I think eventually makakabutas din kami. Hopefully, iyong mga Thomasian community will have patience on us,” said Santo Tomas deputy Japs Cuan.

In women’s basketball, UP (4-0) sports the same chance to break away from the pack against UST (3-1) at 11 a.m. after the duel between Ateneo (3-1) and FEU (3-1) at 9 a.m.