QUEZON CITY, Philippines — League-leading University of the Philippines (UP) aims to extend its winning streak and strengthen its bid for a Final Four advantage when it faces the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws on Saturday, November 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons (9-2) enter the 5:00 p.m. marquee matchup looking for redemption after suffering a 90-79 defeat against FEU during their first-round encounter on October 4.
UP officially secured its semifinals berth following an 82-74 victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles last weekend and is now eyeing its eighth consecutive win to solidify its grip on the top spot.
State U will lean on versatile 6-foot-5 wingman Veejay Pre, who faces extra motivation going up against his former school. Pre is expected to receive strong support from teammates Noy Remogat, Elliot Dimaculangan, Rainer Maga, Dikachi Ududo, James Payosing, and Jacob Bayla as the squad looks to maintain its momentum in the second round.
“Final Four talagang mag-adjust lahat ng mga teams, pero nandyan naman ‘yung mga coaches para i-prepare kami sa practice,” Pre said. “Especially na yun, one game at a time kami, maging hungry kami sa mga games and nakikita ko naman sa mga teammates ko na gustong-gusto namin manalo kaya pinagtatrabaho namin sa court.”
Meanwhile, FEU (6-5) is eager to bounce back following a narrow 86-85 loss to the University of Santo Tomas, despite a stellar 27-point explosion from Jorick Bautista.
A victory over UP would allow the Tamaraws to break a tie with the reigning champion De La Salle Green Archers and secure sole possession of third place, while a loss would result in a logjam with the Growling Tigers.
Opening the men’s double-header action at 2:30 p.m., National University (8-3) takes on the University of the East (1-11).