DLSU, FEU clash for 2nd

By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - August 23, 2008

Title contenders La Salle and Far Eastern University clash today in what could be the preview of their Final Four showdown in the 71st UAAP basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The Green Archers and Tamaraws need a victory in their scheduled 4 p.m. encounter in order to gain a better seeding as the elimination round winds down to its last two weeks.

Clashing in the first game at 2 p.m. are University of Santo Tomas and National University.

With an 8-2 record, La Salle is hoping to catch up with bitter rival Ateneo for the top spot in the standings.

The Eagles boosted their bid for the No. 1 seeding with a 61-57 overtime win over University of the East on Thursday, a victory that improved their record to 10-1.

The Tamaraws, the No. 3 team with a 7-3 card, could tie the Archers with a victory.

Just like the Tamaraws and Archers, the Tigers are in dire need of a win to stay in contention for a berth in the semis. They are 1½ games behind the Red Warriors for the fourth and last semis spot.

La Salle coach Franz Pumaren sees another exciting showdown with FEU just like the first time they clashed in the tournament.

The Glenn Capacio-mentored Tamaraws, however, are coming off a 74-69 win over University of Santo Tomas also on Thursday, so Pumaren expects them to be on a war mode.

"It’s going to be tough, I think they are playing well despite being undermanned," said Pumaren. "They are playing with a lot of emotion because of what happened to (Mac) Baracael, so it’s going to be an important for us."

"Kung ganito lang ang nilalaro ng team walang problema sa next game," said Capacio. "But against La Salle, dapat consistent kami sa depensa (press break) namin kasi kapag nagka-turnover ka magkakaroon sila ng momentum."

The Tamaraws are hoping to avenge their 73-62 setback in the first hand.

The Archers will rely once more on veterans JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer while role players Peejay Barua, James Mangahas and rookie point guard LA Revilla are expected to provide the much-needed help.