University of the Philippines aims for the first Final Four seat in a clash with De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men’s basketball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With a foot already in the semis door, the Fighting Maroons only need one more victory for a fifth straight semifinals appearance.
But the Green Archers behind top Most Valuable Player award contender Kevin Quiambao will try to spoil UP’s first try at a Final Four berth in their 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, University of the East and Far Eastern University try to fan their already flickering semis hopes in their 2 p.m. encounter.
The Fighting Maroons are on a two-game roll in the second round parading an 8-1 win-loss record at the solo top spot.
Despite playing sans veteran stars JD Cagulangan (hamstring) and CJ Cansino (flu), UP exacted revenge over first round tormentor defending champion Ateneo de Manila University, 65-60, last week before the long holiday break.
Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde expects the two vital cogs to suit up after getting enough rest, especially against the same rival that they barely beat in their first meeting.
“We prepared long and took advantage of the long break. Our focus right now is the game against La Salle,” Montervede said as UP looks to make a repeat of its 67-64 win over La Salle back on 18 October.
Monteverde will again rely on the heroes of the last match in Gerry Abadiano, Francis Lopez, Harold Alarcon and reigning MVP Malick Diouf.
La Salle sits at solo third with a 6-3 slate and is on a three-game win run since its loss to the Fighting Maroons.
Quiambao has been playing a career season and even set the first triple-double in the men’s division in five years.
The sophomore dropped 17 points, league record 14 assists and 11 rebounds laced with four steals in the Green Archers’ 88-78 victory over second-running National University last week.
Backstopping Quiambao are Evan Nelle, Jonnel Policarpio, Raven Cortez and Mark Nonoy.
In the other game, the Red Warriors and Tamaraws share the sixth to seventh spot with identical 3-6 slates.
UE is fresh off an 86-73 win over University of Santo Tomas to end a five-game skid while FEU suffered a 53-64 loss to Adamson University.
The Red Warriors beat the Tamaraws, 65-58, in their first meeting last 7 October.
