DLSU, FEU start series

By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 11, 2008

Defending champion De La Salle University and Far Eastern University start what virtually is a "best-of-three" showdown when they clash at 4 p.m. today in a playoff for the second twice-to-beat incentive in the 71st UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

Both teams, tied at 10-4 after the double-round eliminations, are coming off from losses last week and a win today will move either the Archers or the Tamaraws to just a win away from the Finals.

The winner today needs to win just once more in the semifinals to gain a finals berth while the loser must win twice in the semis.

In the two-round eliminations, the two split their assignments with the Archers winning the first, 73-62, last July 12 behind JV Casio’s 29 points. The Tamaraws exacted revenge on Aug. 23 with, 83-75, as sophomore standout Mark Barroca erupted for 26 points.

The Archers’s coach, Franz Pumaren, said his team can make a return trip to the finals and defend the crown.

"I’m still confident with my team and I think we will still be in the finals," Pumaren said.

To make it there, however, La Salle’s ace Casio has to recover from his 2-of-16 shooting against Ateneo last Saturday where he finished with five points.

"Things like that happen, bad game and everything, but we were still there during that game," Pumaren said.

Also, Rico Maierhofer, who averaged 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds during the season, has to regain his consistency while role players James Mangahas, Peejay Barua, Simon Atkins and rookies Maui Villanueva and LA Revilla should contribute.

Playing inconsistent during its last three games, FEU got some help from outside forces such as UE mentor Dindo Pumaren, who mentioned that FEU was scared during their game last week.

"Yung mga bata na-challenge doon sa sinabi ni coach Dindo," said Capacio. "Dahil doon sa sinabi niya, naging positive ang team."

Although Capacio admits that La Salle has the advantage, he is hoping that his players would give their all.

"Given na na may advantage sila dahil sa championship experience nila pero sana mapakita ng mga bata na may will to win sila tulad noong mga games nitong season na ito," Capacio added.

Hampered most of the season by the loss of Mac Baracael due to a shooting incident in late-July for seven games and the departure of bench player Robert Kave, the Tamaraws still remained as one of the top teams in the league led by Barroca, Benedict Fernandez and Marlon Adolfo while big men Reil Cervantes and Aldrech Ramos have produced significant numbers in only their second season with the team.

Barroca has shown remarkable improvement from last season, averaging 11.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists that ranked him ninth in the statistical points’ race with an average of 49.86.