Archers eye perfect 10 versus Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines – Unbeaten La Salle shoots for its 10th straight victory against slumping National U as the UAAP LXXIX men’s basketball shifts to the Filoil Flying V Center today.

The Archers assured themselves of a Final Four seat with a 78-72 win over University of the Philippines last Saturday and another win at the 4 p.m. duel with the Bulldogs (4-5) will put them closer to a semis incentive.

In the first game, which is set at 12 noon, Ateneo (4-4) aims to arrest a two-game skid and firm up its hold of third spot against a University of the East side rejuvenated by two consecutive triumphs after a 0-6 start.

Although the Bulldogs are in a three-game slump, DLSU coach Aldin Ayo expects their rivals to make it a tough outing for his undefeated wards.

“The more we win, the harder it gets because all of the teams are going to prepare against us. And everytime kami ang kalaban, motivated palagi (they play with more motivation when they face us),” said Ayo.

La Salle has returned to full-strength status last Saturday as Jeron Teng reported for duty again after sitting out two games to recover from a minor operation to remove bone spurs in his left foot.

“Never felt better this season kasi from the start it was really a struggle for me,” said Teng, who logged 21 points and five rebounds.

The Bulldogs gave the Archers what Ayo considered as their toughest test back in the first round. NU enjoyed a nine-point lead before DLSU turned the tables around with a strong finishing kick for a 75-66 verdict.

NU is hard-pressed to complete the mission this time in an effort to revive their F4 aspirations.

“It’s going to be a test of character for us. The question is how do we respond to our 0-3 run. That’s my challenge to the boys,” said NU mentor Altamirano after their 69-73 setback to Santo Tomas last Saturday.

“We have to play a sense of urgency at this point of the season. I hope the boys will respond positively and hopefully, we can turn the season around to our advantage,” he added.