By Kristel Satumbaga

Games Sunday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

2 p.m. – NU vs UST

4 p.m. – Adamson vs UP

Adamson seeks a third win in four games against UP in UAAP season 82 men’s basketball on Sunday. (Rio Deluvio)

Adamson University hopes to stretch its winning streak to three games while University of Santo Tomas aims to bounce back from a loss when they face separate foes Sunday in the UAAP season 82 men’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Falcons clash with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 4 p.m. while the Growling Tigers collide with the National University Bulldogs at 2 p.m.

Victories for both Adamson and UST will keep them at joint second behind unbeaten Ateneo (3-0). Both teams enter the doubleheader carrying identical 2-1 slates.

The Falcons seek to ride the momentum of back-to-back triumphs against NU (84-83 in overtime) and UE (91-80) but coach Franz Pumaren knows they could do better.

“We have to start playing the way that I envisioned this team. I have to make the necessary adjustments for us and hopefully we can apply that (on Sunday),” he said.

Pumaren expects UP to come full force after the Maroons lost to UST, 85-69, last week.

“It’s going to be difficult for us because they’ll also (UP) come well-rested,” he said.

Pumaren will rely on playmaker Val Chauca, Simon Camacho, Jerrick Ahanmisi and center Lenda Douanga to form the core of his starting unit.

Rookie sensation Kobe Paras, meanwhile, will finally see action for UP after missing the last two games recuperating from a sprained ankle.

The 6-foot-6 Paras is expected to team up with fellow rookie Ricci Rivero, veteran Bright Akhuetie and Javi Gomez De Liaño in their bid to improve their 1-1 mark.

Soulemane Chabi Yo, center, will steer UST in its bid to improve its 2-1 record. (Rio Deluvio)

In the other pairing, UST tries to erase the stigma of a 71-70 defeat to Ateneo that ended a 2-0 start.

Rookies Rhenz Abando and Mark Nonoy, Renzo Subido and Soulemane Chabi Yo will fuel the Tigers’ resolve in matching up the Bulldogs’ starters composed of Dave Ildefonso, John Lloyd Clemente and Issa Gaye.

NU still searches for the first victory after yielding to Adamson and La Salle.

Tags: Adamson Falcons , National University Bulldogs , UAAP men’s basketball , University of Santo Tomas , University of the Philippines