The FEU Tamaraws finished off the first round of UAAP Season 76 with a 7-0 record, one that not only catapulted them to the top of the men’s basketball standings but also put them once again into the conversation of title contenders. A brilliant first round never translated into a successful second one though as the Tamaraws stumbled into a 3-4 record to join the DLSU Green Archers and the NU Bulldogs at the top of the league at 10-4 after the eliminations.
The Green Archers on the other hand also ended the first round with a 3-4 record, one that not only put them in a logjam with multiple teams but also raised questions on their endgame composure and prowess in the clutch. Fast forward to the end of the second round and what you have is a well-oiled Green Archer team that went undefeated in the second round and proved to critics and fans alike that they can finish games when it counts. Their stellar second round performance gave them a tie for the top spot in the standings with NU and FEU, but with NU gaining the top spot by virtue of a greater quotient. DLSU and FEU are left to square off for the second twice-to-beat spot, forging a virtual best-of-three series for a crack at the UAAP Championship.
Two different teams. Two contrasting beginnings. Two contrasting ends. With pride and one foot at the finals at stake, expect first and second round performances to have no bearing this Saturday at 4 pm in the MoA Arena.
With their victory over the UST Growling Tigers last Saturday, DLSU completed a thunderous second round sweep. Jeron Teng and Norbert Torres came up big as both came away with double-doubles to put down the Growling Tigers in the endgame. The Xavier alumnus led the way with 19 points, highlighted by his six out of seven showing from the free throw line. Team captain Torres on the other hand had 14 points, breaking out of an extended slump. It was sweet revenge for DLSU as UST was responsible for not only spoiling head coach Juno Sauler’s coaching debut in the UAAP, but also handing DLSU its first loss of the season in their opening game.
The Tamaraws on the other hand, easily disposed of UP to finish with the same record as that of the Green Archers and the Bulldogs. Terrence Romeo gave his all in FEU’s final game as he torched UP for 33 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, cementing his status as this season’s top MVP candidate.
As the game holds the biggest implications for both teams, expect the Green Archers to go all out on Saturday. Teng, whose recent play has buoyed DLSU’s title hopes, will lead the charge along with the vaunted front court of Jason Perkins, Arnold van Opstal, and the rejuvenated Torres. Perkins, who has been one of Sauler’s most reliable players, will make FEU’s big men work as he has used the second round to showcase his range which extends to the three point line.
Coincidentally, La Salle, FEU and NU were also in a triple tie last year, but it was at 9-5 for third place. NU was awarded third place due to a superior quotient and both teams battled it out for the final ticket to the semis. Thus, the history of these two teams when it comes to crucial games has been noteworthy as DLSU beat FEU last year to give themselves a spot in the final four. Both teams have also figured in several championship battles over the past two decades.
Despite their eventual elimination at the hands of Ateneo, the win last year validated DLSU’s status as a worthy opponent, as they proved that last season was a testament to their capabilities. After an extra year of seasoning and sporting a fresh crop of rookies, the Green Archers are ready to go over the hump and bring back the title to Taft Avenue. With a win on Saturday, the road to the championship will become more clear, and the Green Archers will be just one step away from returning to the biggest stage in the league.
