Far Eastern University opened its title bid on a high note by downing back-to-back champion Ateneo, 72-69, last Sunday. Despite their impressive win, FEU coach Glenn Capacio knows that their next 13 games won't be a smooth ride.
Believing that the seven other teams have equal chances just like them, Capacio and the Tamaraws expect a strong challenge from National University when they clash this Saturday in the 73rd UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.
"Ang maganda ngayon sa season na ito, halos pantay-pantay yung teams. Hindi mo masasabi na may game na panalo ka. Kailangan talaga mag-prepare kami ng mabuti," said Capacio.
Clashing at 4 p.m. are Adamson and University of the Philippines which are both determined to bounce back from crushing defeats.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, sent a strong message to FEU last Thursday when they hacked out a 59-55 victory over La Salle to barge into the win column.
And Capacio should be wary of the new NU tandem of Cameroonian Emmanuel Mbe, who had 21 points and 19 boards, and Jewel Ponferada.
NU coach Eric Gonzales hopes their speed and quickness will make up for their lack of ceiling since FEU is armed with three tall but mobile players in Smart Gilas member Aldrech Ramos, Reil Cervantes, and Cameroonian Pipo Noundou.
But one player Gonzales has to worry about is FEU guard RR Garcia.
The wily guard exploded for a career-high with 25 points during their game against Ateneo.
"As much as possible, kailangan i-limit namin yung touches ni RR kasi he makes his team look very nice," Gonzales said.
The Falcons are out to bounce back from a 69-66 loss to Ateneo while the Maroons are hoping to get a better performance from Mike Silungan this time after losing to La Salle on opening day, 80-62.
Silungan tallied 17 points on a 7-of-18 shooting from the field. He also turned the ball six times.
Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin
Subject: FEU Faces NU Bulldogs 
Sat Jul 17, 2010 6:59 am
