Baby Tams eye repeat against Bullpups

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University-Diliman tries to finish off National U today and nail its first title in four years in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 79 juniors basketball championship at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Gametime is at 2 p.m.

The Baby Tamaraws hacked out a 66-65 victory over the Bullpups last Tuesday but FEU-Diliman coach Allan Albano said that closing out is the hardest thing to do.

After trailing early in the game, FEU-Diliman recovered then seized control in the last five minutes where it suffered a scoring drought that enabled NU to storm back before falling short.

To complete the reversal, the Baby Tamaraws hope to clamp down on NU’s ace John Lloyd Clemente, who sizzled with 25 points in Game One.

FEU-Diliman is also working out on how to weaken NU’s defensive wall –  Rhayyan Amsali and Karl Peñano – in the shaded lane. 

In offense, FEU-Diliman hopes to draw the best from LJ Gonzales, Kenji Roman, Xyrus Torres and Jack Gloria.

Gonzales was solid with his double-double effort of 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 1.

NU mentor Jeff Napa remains hopeful they could  turn this short series around and force a deciding Game 3 on Monday.      

Meanwhile, the league will honor this season’s individual awardees, led by MVP Juan Gomez de Liaño of UP Integrated School and Rookie of the Year Kai Sotto of Ateneo before the match.