DLSU, NU eyes final four stint

Photo from UAAP Facebook Page

MANILA — De La Salle University and National University are both close to claiming their respective spots in the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) senior men’s basketball category, but both need to win their games today at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Archers will be facing the University of the East at 2 p.m., while the Bulldogs will go up against University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m. If both teams will win, they will be casted to the Final Four together with the Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University.

However if the Warriors will win against DLSU, there will be a battle for the last semifinals slots. UE almost won over DLSU in the first round.

“We just have to make the most of those opportunities given to us,” said DLSU coach Juno Sauler.

“It’s always tough playing against UE. They’re long, they’re quick. We know they’ll put pressure on us for 40 minutes.”

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs also worry about the Tigers given that the latter made a promise to be strong in their last two games.

“They will play with nothing to lose, but we need that win,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “It’s important that we play our game.”

If UE wins and NU loses, both will be at the fourth place and turn the elimination playdates a straight Final Four race.