Ateneo de Manila and Far Eastern University meet in the Final Four for the third straight season, as they face off tomorrow afternoon at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles won both meetings so far this season, a 94-82 Thirdy Ravena-led victory in September 17, and a 70-59 win anchored by Matt Nieto and Raffy Verano just over a month later, but one can expect the Tamaraws to not hand things over on a silver platter. After all, they have made the postseason for the last five seasons.
Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin acknowledged how difficult the matchup against the Olsen Racela-coached side, "Really tough. We played them last year. They took the first game."
He adds, "I don't have any doubts about our player's mentality. We understand the importance of being ready for the next game. That's not going to change," this after their loss to La Salle last week that cost them direct entry into the finals.
The Blue Eagles tout their vaunted depth, led by Ravena, who finished second in the statistical points standings at the end of the season. Tasked to minimize Thirdy's contributions is Ron Dennison, with Jasper Parker's seeking to continue his impressive stretch of action in the second round into the postseason. (c/o Kim Karlo Castro)
The Blue Eagles won both meetings so far this season, a 94-82 Thirdy Ravena-led victory in September 17, and a 70-59 win anchored by Matt Nieto and Raffy Verano just over a month later, but one can expect the Tamaraws to not hand things over on a silver platter. After all, they have made the postseason for the last five seasons.
Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin acknowledged how difficult the matchup against the Olsen Racela-coached side, "Really tough. We played them last year. They took the first game."
He adds, "I don't have any doubts about our player's mentality. We understand the importance of being ready for the next game. That's not going to change," this after their loss to La Salle last week that cost them direct entry into the finals.
The Blue Eagles tout their vaunted depth, led by Ravena, who finished second in the statistical points standings at the end of the season. Tasked to minimize Thirdy's contributions is Ron Dennison, with Jasper Parker's seeking to continue his impressive stretch of action in the second round into the postseason. (c/o Kim Karlo Castro)
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