By Kristel Satumbaga
Games Sunday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
2 p.m. – NU vs La Salle
4 p.m. – FEU vs UP
University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University lock horns Sunday to resume their title campaigns. (MB photo | Rio Deluvio)
University of the Philippines continues its title campaign but without coach Bo Perasol when it battles Far Eastern University Sunday in UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Match is at 4 p.m. with the Maroons seeking to improve their 5-2 record at second place.
Perasol is serving his three-game suspension following his outburst in last week’s game against Ateneo where they lost 89-63.
UP appealed to reduce the punishment but league basketball commissioner Jensen Ilagan denied the motion for reconsideration.
The Maroons decided to stay focused in bolstering their system instead of dwelling on their situation with assistant coach Ricky Dandan taking the reins in Perasol’s absence.
“Tuluy-tuloy lang kami. Hindi kami magpapa-apekto kasi importante sa amin yung three games na to,” said team captain Jun Manzo. “Kailangang makuha namin yung goal which is makapasok sa Final Four, tapos makapasok ulit sa Finals.”
“Ang good thing ditto is masusubukan yung chemistry namin as a team. Walam man si Coach Bo, susubukan naming ipanalo ito para sa kanya.”
Out to keep the fires burning for UP are Kobe Paras, reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie and brothers Javi and Juan Gomez De Liaño.
Meanwhile, FEU seeks a different outcome from its 61-55 loss to UP in the first meeting on opening day to hike its 3-4 mark in the middle standings.
Ending the first round with an 83-71 win over the Adamson Falcons, the Tamaraws are slated to toughen their assault bannered by LJ Gonzales, Pat Tchuente and Barkley Ebona.
Also out to resume their bid are National University (2-5) and La Salle 3-4) at 2 p.m.
Tags: Bo Perasol , Far Eastern University , FEU Tamaraws , Fighting Maroons , Tamaraw , UAAP , UAAP S82 , UAAP Season 82 , UAAP season 82 men's basketball , University of the Philippines , UP Fighting Maroons
