Tamaraws seek to extend hot start

MANILA, Philippines — Off to its best start in over a decade, surprise league-leader Far Eastern University looks to run away from the pack as it tangles with vastly-improved Ateneo today in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The last time the Tamaraws started this strong was in 2015 – the year of their last championship. They aim to extend that run against the Blue Eagles in the main game of today’s double-header at 5:30 p.m., after the 3 p.m. clash between National University and University of Santo Tomas.

After dropping a 56-53 heartbreaker to Adamson in the opener, Sean Chambers’ charges have shaken up the UAAP order with three straight wins – including statement upsets over reigning champion La Salle and five-time finalist University of the Philippines – to seize solo first at 3-1.

Hot on their heels are NU and Ateneo, tied with La Salle at 3-2 for second place.

But the Tamaraws are far from satisfied, hungry to end not only an 11-year title drought but also a three-year Final Four drought after missing the cut last season at No. 5.

“As I told them in the locker room, good enough, never is. This is good, but this is not where we want to be at the end,” said Chambers, the legendary PBA import turned UAAP head coach, who is banking on early MVP contender Kirby Mongcopa and reigning MVP Janrey Pasaol.