Tigers, Bulldogs aim to tighten grip on lead

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

2 p.m. — NU vs Ateneo

4:30 p.m. — Adamson vs UST

National University (NU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) seek to continue their hold of the top spot when they battle separate foes in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sporting identical 5-1 win-loss cards, both squads look to sustain their winning streaks at the close of the first round and bolster their Final Four chances heading into the crucial final half of the elimination round.

The Bulldogs test the mettle of an Ateneo de Manila University side reeling from back-to-back losses at 2 p.m. followed by the Tigers’ 4:30 p.m. tussle with inconsistent Adamson University.

UST is on a three-game tear with victories over University of the East, the Blue Eagles and Far Eastern University.

Veteran Nic Cabañero, top center Collins Akowe, Kyle Paranada, Gelo Crisostomo and Forthsky Padrigao will be at the forefront of the Tigers’ hunt for a win No. 6.

But beating the Falcons, who are fresh from a 77-62 win over the Red Warriors last week, won’t be an easy task.

“It’s not a walkover team. Adamson can beat you anytime. On our part, we have to keep our momentum going up to the second round,” UST assistant coach CJ Balingit said.

Adamson carries a 2-4 record at sixth place.

On the other hand, NU has won its last two games, including an 82-78 escape over De La Salle University last Sunday.

Well-rested and having momentum on its side, the scale is tipped in favor of NU, yet the Bulldogs remain wary of how dangerous the Blue Eagles are, especially after having their wings clipped in back-to-back games.

“I don’t think we need to change anything regarding how we play. I think we’re doing good as of now,” NU assistant coach Vic Ycasiano said.

The Bulldogs will rely on Jake Figueroa, PJ Palacielo, Paul Francisco, Gelo Santiago and Reinhard Jumamoy, whose defensive prowess was on full display in a series of defensive stops down the stretch against the Green Archers.