By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - July 10, 2008
Ateneo de Manila and University of the East hope to keep their share of the lead when they go up against separate rivals in the 71st UAAP men’s basketball tournament today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Loyola-based dribblers tackle Adamson University at 4 p.m. while the Red Warriors face the National University Bulldogs in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.
The Blue Eagles are coming off a tough 79-73 victory over arch-rival De La Salle on Sunday while the Red Warriors overcame a strong challenge by University of Santo Tomas last Saturday for a 78-73 triumph.
Out the lead Ateneo’s charge is Chris Tiu, who put up 26 points against the Green Archers. Other key players will include Eric Salamat, Rabah Al-Hussaini, and rookie Ryan Buenafe.
Salamat and Al-Hussaini each made 10 points in their win while Buenafe put some decent minutes to score seven in his debut.
Although tipped as heavy favorites, head coach Norman Black expects a strong challenge from the Falcons, who gave Far Eastern University some scary moments before bowing out, 74-71, in the opener.
UE cooach Dindo Pumaren will again rely on veterans Hans Thiele and Elmer Espiritu in their game against the Bulldogs.
Both Thiele and Espiritu put on strong efforts against the Growling Tigers, while Paul Lee aims to recover from his dismal showing after being ejected in the third quarter for trash talking.
Also expected to deliver for the Recto-based dribblers are veterans Marcy Arellano, James Martinez, and Pari Llagas.
NU and Adamson are hoping to bounce back this time.
The loss was a bitter pill to take for the Falcons who held on to a slim lead going into the final minute only to lose steam and allow the Tamaraws to snatch the win.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were crushed in the second half by the upset-minded UP Fighting Maroons, 86-72.
Leo Austria’s wards will again bank heavily on newcomer Mike Galinato, who poured 22 points and 11 rebounds in his Adamson debut, while guard Jerick Canada, Paul Gonzalgo and big man Allan Santos will provide some help.
On the other hand, Edwin Asoro is looking to recover from his dismal four-point showing on opening day. But NU expects to have another consistent effort from Jonathan Jahnke, Raymund Aguilar, and surprise performers Jessey Garcia and center Jewel Ponferrada.
Both the Eagles and the Falcons split their pre-season matches, with Adamson winning the second encounter during the quarterfinal round of the Fil-Oil Flying V Invitational tournament.
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