UAAP: FEU, UST try to achieve separate goals

Host Far Eastern University (FEU) aims for its fifth win while Santo Tomas tries to rebound from a recent defeat when they meet on Thursday in the continuation of the 72nd UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Big Dome.

The Tamaraws, who have dominated the España-based team for the last two years, can tie defending champion and current solo leader Ateneo for the top spot if they once again beat the Growling Tigers, whose last victory over FEU was a 90-87 decision on July 20, 2006. FEU coach Glenn Capacio hopes to extend its domination against UST, which absorbed a heartbreaking 101-92 double overtime defeat against La Salle last Sunday. UST’s loss dropped them to fourth spot (3-2). The Tams, who scored a 77-65 win over UP last Saturday, already had a game plan to deal with the dangerous Tigers in their 4 p.m. match. “We’ll prepare for their big men who can play from the outside like (Dylan) Ababou na three-point shooter," said Capacio regarding UST’s team skipper, who might miss Thursday’s game as he faces possible suspension after figuring in an altercation with La Salle’s Mark Mendoza. “Yun ang malaking adjustment na gagawin namin against UST kasi ang mga big men nila mabibilis. They can drive, they can shoot from the three so kailangan mag-prepare kami talaga," Capacio added. Capacio is also hopeful that Reil Cervantes, who missed playing for the Tamaraws in their last outing after spraining his right ankle, will be back in action. UE mentor Lawrence Chongson, on the other hand, is going for his third win against the over-achieving UP Fighting Maroons, who posted the biggest upset of the season by beating defending champion and powerhouse Ateneo. Because of that win, Chongson is preparing for a tough match against the Diliman-based squad in their 2 p.m. face-off. “This time you cannot take anyone for granted especially nung ma-upset ng UP ang Ateneo. Every team is after your throat so you have to be on guard all the time," said Chongson after the Red Warriors downed Adamson U, 95-91, also in double overtime last Sunday. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV