PLAYING never-say-die basketball is something that the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws are supposed to do this season.
Tamaraws’ coach Nash Racela believes that this should be the calling card of the team when they face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 4 p.m. today in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“That is something that we preach–resiliency,” said Racela after the Tams escaped with a 51-49 win over the University of the Philippines Maroons last Sunday.
They will be seeking their fourth win in six games, but will miss one of their key players in Ron Dennison, who is serving a one-game suspension.
The UAAP Commissioner’s Office denied FEU’s appeal to spare Dennison of a suspension following his disqualifying foul on UP’s Paul Desiderio last Sunday.
Commissioner Rebo Saguisag said the disqualifying foul on Dennison was upheld after a careful review of the game tape, based on the points FEU management raised in its appeal.
Earlier, National University (3-2) takes on the Fighting Maroons (1-5) at 2 p.m.
The Tams have something else up their sleeves, with big man Prince Orizu expected to step up.
He only had one point in their match with UP, but Prinze Orizu’s crucial defensive stops helped the Tamaraws win.
With the game was tied at 47-all, Orizu kept UP from scoring when he pulled off a big defensive play with his block over Jarrell Lim.
Orizu had another a block on Paul Desiderio’s attempt, forcing a turnover, and Monbert Arong hit a jumper that gave FEU a 50-47 lead.
Games today (Mall of Asia Arena)
2 p.m. NU vs UP
4 p.m. UST vs FEU