Momentum on Tigers side; Tams confident

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern U brace for a all-out war on Wednesday with the coveted UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball trophy on the line.

“We expect Game Three to be very physical. Siyempre, hindi magiging madali ang basketball, sisikip ang ring so mental toughness ang magse-save, magpapanalo sa team (Being a high-pressure game, making baskets would be doubly hard and I believe mental toughness will be the deciding factor),” said UST coach Bong dela Cruz.

“We’ll see if they’re tough,” FEU coach Nash Racela said in response to Dela Cruz’s observation.

The Tams, who are hunting for their first title since 2005, drew first blood in the best-of-three championship with an emphatic 75-64 victory last Wednesday.

But the Tigers got back with a 62-56 victory last Saturday to stay on course for their first crown since 2006.

This is the third straight year a Game Three will be played to decide the champion. Interestingly, UST and FEU were the losing finalists in the preceding seasons, both bungling a 1-0 series lead to La Salle and National U, respectively.

“The good thing is this is a series. The best part is winning the first game so even if you lose the second, you still have a chance. So we look forward to that third game,” said Racela, confident the Tams will write a better ending than Season 77.

FEU hopes to regain its shooting touch in the rubbermatch after a dismal 27 percent field goal in Game Two. Ace guard Mike Tolomia, in particular, is eager to make up for his woeful 0-of-15  clip as he and fellow veterans Mac Belo and Roger Pogoy give one last shot at the elusive diadem before calling it a day.

On the other hand, UST wishes Kevin Ferrer, who waxed hot with 29 points spiked by six triples in the second game, will sustain the charge and join forces with Karim Abdul and Ed Daquioag in dishing out a winning farewell performance.

“Naka-momentum na ang team. Gagawin na lang namin yung game plan ni coach and enjoy defense and at the same time offense (We already have momentum. It’s important we execute our game plan next game and enjoy playing in both defensive and offensive ends),” said Daquioag, who sported his trademark on-game smile anew after bouncing back from a lackluster showing in the opener.