Games on Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
8 a.m. – DLSU vs UE (16U)
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU-D (16U)
1 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Men)
5 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)
7 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)
SINK or swim.
Sans injured forward Mason Amos, De La Salle University (DLSU) takes on the listless University of the East (UE) in a must-win duel to stay afloat ahead of an even tougher clash with reigning champion University of the Philippines (UP) to end the first round in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Game time is at 1 p.m. as the DLSU Green Archers try to prime up for the finals rematch against the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday amidst the piling woes in their title redemption tour — without the 6-foot-7 Fil-Aussie and in the thick of a losing skid. At 5 p.m., Santo Tomas (4-1) battles Far Eastern University (1-4) to forge a tie with National University (5-1) on top.
“As long as we have life, we have chance,” vowed the embattled Topex Robinson after the confirmation of Mr. Amos’ MCL injury on his right knee.
“That’s just the situation now we’re with the team. Yes, we’re down but with so many games to come, you could never cut us out of this scenario.”
Mr. Amos suffered the injury on Sunday late in the Green Archers’ 82-78 loss to the Bulldogs to fall outside the Top Four with a 2-3 slate, a stark difference to their hot starts in the last two seasons marked by finals appearances and a title in Season 86.
He will be out at least a month but the recovery could be longer, likely leaving Mr. Robinson with a crippled crew for the rest of the second round as they fight for dear life in a flat start to its hopeful season following the availability of Mr. Amos from Ateneo de Manila University as well as other recruits Kean Baclaan (NU) and Jacob Cortez (San Beda University) from residency.
La Salle also admitted that it’s still adjusting without two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao for the first time after his graduation and jump to pros in Korea but that should not be enough reasons for them to surrender their bows and arrows — not now and ever.
“There is no way for us but to keep on persevering and keep on fighting. We could have all the reasons to just die, but that’s the least of our priorities right now,” added Mr. Robinson, counting on skipper Mike Phillips to steady the ship.
Standing in their way is a hungry UE Red Warriors unit out for a breakthrough under new mentor Chris Gavina amidst a 0-5 start and an 11-game dry spell since last season. — John Bryan Ulanday