UAAP: NU vs ADMU round two preview and live-scoring

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With their win over the UE Red Warriors in doubt, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles will likely shoot to sweep their two remaining games, starting with a chance for revenge against the National University Bulldogs on Wednesday at the MOA Arena, after the latter walloped the defending champions in their season-opener back in July.

Round one encounter

With Ateneo's marquee player Kiefer Ravena hobbled with an ankle injury, the NU Bulldogs set out to send a message to the rest of the league, posting a 59-35 lead with 5:33 remaining in the game.

However, the Blue Eagles did not roll over and die, as a three-point barrage led by Nico Elorde began an ADMU rally that pulled them to within 10, 61-51, with 2:04 left. However, on the next play, Bobby Ray Parks canned a dagger triple, 64-51, 1:41 remaining, and Ateneo could not make further headway, settling for a 64-54 defeat.

What's at stake

The NU Bulldogs will likely watch the first match very carefully. A Fighting Maroons win could mean they take first place at 10-4, but they'll settle for a tie if FEU dispatches UP.

Things are more complicated for Ateneo. The UE Red Warriors asked the league to clarify the rule against suspended team members as head coach Bo Perasol was in the venue for Ateneo's win last Sunday, when he was supposed to be serving out a one-game ban.

If ADMU is forced to forfeit, they'd tie UE at 6-6, after being at 7-5. Regardless of the circumstances, the Blue Eagles' best bet at a Final Four berth is to win their remaining games, raising the stakes for this match.

ADMU player to watch

After a sub-par outing versus Ateneo's rivals DLSU, Kiefer Ravena shook off a quiet first half to help the Blue Eagles pull away in the third, finishing with 22 points and four rebounds. However, the Phenom is at his best while attacking the lane, especially after his four missed three-point attempts resulted in his long-distance percentage sinking to 18.2 percent (8-of-44). If the Bulldogs can keep Ravena from getting into the paint, Ateneo could be in for a tough time.

NU player to watch

The Bulldogs could have locked up first place with a win over DLSU last week, but they couldn't make up for some excellent defense on center Emmanuel Mbe, who scored a mere four points on 2-of-9 shooting, with no trips to the line.

On paper, Mbe could have an easier time against a less intimidating Ateneo front court, but Ateneo has had some success against taller opposition in the past (Karim Abdul, Arnold Van Opstal), while also giving up big numbers to others (Charles Mammie, Ingrid Sewa). Which Ateneo defense Mbe encounters could spell the difference between a win and a loss.