Ateneo eyes win No. 8

By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - August 14, 2008

Ateneo tries to boost its Final Four bid when it battles University of Santo Tomas even as Far Eastern University hopes to get back into the winning track today in the 71st UAAP basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The Blue Eagles improved their record to 7-1 after getting back at the Tamaraws, 78-74, last Sunday, in a performance that would serve them well when they clash with the Tigers at 4 p.m.

"I’m expecting that we probably play a lot better," Black said. "We don’t seem to play very well when we have a one week break which we just had so it’s just nice to be able to have a game after last Sunday."

Clashing in the opening game at 2 p.m. are the Tamaraws and the Adamson Falcons with the Morayta-based squad aching to end a two-game slump after winning five of their first six games.

Black expects another tough and exciting battle with the Tigers whom they beat 64-57 in the first round.

Team captain Chris Tiu and reserve guard Eric Salamat are expected to show their stuff anew together with Rookie of the Year favorite Ryan Buenafe.

On the other side, UST mentor Pido Jarencio is hoping that his team can pull off an upset this time against the Eagles.

"Sana maka-tsamba," said Jarencio. "Alam naman natin ang Ateneo malakas this year."

With point guard Japs Cuan back in harness after suffering a torn meniscus, UST will have a complete lineup against the Eagles this time.

Dylan Ababou is out to redeem himself from a miserable shooting performance in their first meeting while Francis Allera and Khasim Mirza are aching to have stellar roles anew.

Expected to provide a subplot is the showdown between reigning MVP Jervy Cruz of UST and Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Ateneo in the shaded area.

Just like the 6-foot-4 Ababou, Cruz is also expected to go all-out after being held to just eight points and 15 boards in their first-round encounter. Cruz was brilliant in the team’s 97-83 win over the Falcons last Sunday as he tallied 29 points and 15 rebounds.

"He’s the MVP, he’s unstoppable, last time we were able to stop him and we just imagine that he has a lot of revenge coming into his mind," Black said of Cruz.