WITH the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ bench playing better every time, the Loyola dribblers are expected to get past the University of the East Warriors when they meet at 2 p.m. today at the Mall of Arena.
The Blue Eagles, who have earned the first seeding in the Final Four, will try to stay unbeaten after 11 games in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
“We are up against a fast and athletic team. We have our work cut out for us,” said Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
The Blue Eagles are coming off a 70-59 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
And they are banking on how main man Thirdy Ravena will blend well with second unit players like Gian Mamuyac, Tyler Tio and Jolo Mendoza.
“Very good effort, when Thirdy slows down a player, Gian comes in to equal his defense. When they deny Tyler and Jolo their shots, Mamu (Mamuyac) comes and breaks the defense,” said Arespacochaga.
The Warriors have a 3-8 win-loss slate, and trying to stay in contention.
They are smarting from a 78-99 loss to the defending champion La Salle Green Archers.
Later, Far Eastern University (5-5) clashes with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 4 p.m.
They are smarting from a 59-70 setback they suffered from Ateneo.
Games today
(at the MOA Arena)
2 p.m. UE vs Ateneo
4 p.m. FEU vs UP