UAAP: Green Archers hope to clinch playoff spot against NU

It has been a while since the home stretch of the UAAP Men’s Basketball tournament have been this drama-filled and crucial. Every game and every outcome bears a significant impact for the five teams left battling for title contention. On Saturday, September 13 at 6pm, two of those fighting for the last final four seeds will collide, which might spell the difference between disappointment and delight. The reigning champions DLSU Green Archers are set to face the NU Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

What’s at Stake

A win for the Taft-based squad would guarantee a playoff for second seed with either the FEU Tamaraws or rival ADMU Blue Eagles in this season’s semi-final round, depending on who emerges victorious in their game scheduled this Saturday. Both teams proved to be a formidable foe for the Green-and-White with Ateneo tallying a narrow victory in their first round clash, while the Morayta-based crew are yet to be downed by the Green Archers this season, who dropped two games to the Tamaraws.

Losing to the Bulldogs, however, would force a playoff elimination game against the surging UE Red Warriors, who are on an inspired and resilient run to qualify for the final four matchups, after grabbing crucial victories against this year’s title contenders in FEU, NU, and most recently against DLSU last Wednesday.

The previous meeting

The NU Bulldogs proved to be a handful for the DLSU Green Archers during their first round meeting, escaping by only two points, 57-55. Sophomore Forward Jason Perkins paved the way for the win, scoring 14 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and making key baskets down the stretch that sealed the game for good.

Defense was the gameplan for both teams, which is evident by the low scoring performance of both squads. Possession by possession, the players countered  every shot of their opponents, forcing the lead to change between squads often. With a go-ahead basket scored by Norbert Torres down low, the Archers took the game for good.

But this time around, the stakes are definitely much higher. A loss on this crucial match would dramatically change the tides for both squads.

Will the Green Archers clinch the final four spot for a chance to defend the elusive UAAP Crown, or would they live to fight another day against the streaking UE Red Warriors?

It would definitely be a game for the record books with both teams determined to clinch that playoff spot.