Games on Wednesday(Smart Araneta Coliseum)11:30 a.m. – AdU vs DLSU (women)1:30 p.m. – UST vs ADMU (women)4:30 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (men)6:30 p.m. – UST vs ADMU (men)
REIGNING CHAMPION De La Salle University (DLSU) wants a quick separation from the pack while University of Santo Tomas (UST) is out for another surprise when they tangle with separate counterparts in the second week of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fresh from a tough first test against National University, La Salle braces for another large target on its back against the underdog but very capable Adamson University (AdU)at 4:30 p.m. prior to the main duel between Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University at 6:30 p.m.
Tagged as the heavy favorites to repeat, the Green Archers were welcomed by a baptism of fire by the Bulldogs last weekend in a near defeat only for MVP Kevin Quiambao to come to the rescue.
Mr. Quiambao poured six of his 22 points in La Salle’s late flurry, capped by the booming triple in the last nine seconds to flip a 64-71 deficit for the gritty win. And La Salle expects the same teeth-to-teeth match against Adamson, on the heels of a 59-47 win against Far Eastern University to spoil Sean Chambers’ coaching debut.
“We will learn from these experiences. We’d rather play these kinds of game that will test us to the mettle. We’re just gonna keep on sharpening our saw and we’re gonna get better,” he said.
“We know that there are no surprises. All teams are gonna play us that way. And it’s just gonna make us better. It’s just gonna make this team better.”
One of the teams which indeed showed a massive improvement right off the bat was Santo Tomas, which will be out for quick follow-up against the rebuilding but still formidable Ateneo squad.
The Golden Tigers, in Pido Jarencio’s return last season, registered only two wins and a triumph today would already match that against the Blue Eagles, who absorbed a deflating 77-61 debut loss to powerhouse and host University of the Philippines. — John Bryan Ulanday