FROM a shoo-in in the Final Four, University of the East now finds itself in a dire situation clinging on to the hopes of rediscovering its form amid this recent funk.
Even coach Jack Santiago was left puzzled with how fates have changed in one instant as they muffed their last three chances to get to seven wins and gain an outright ticket to the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball semifinals.
“Before ang sabi ko we need eight wins to make it to the Final Four, naging seven na lang. Last time nakuha namin yung six wins, we still had four games left. Now it’s down to two,” he sighed.
“Kung alam ko lang yung sagot, sasabihin ko sa inyo, sinabi ko na siguro pero right now, we just have to weather the storm.”
Of the four teams still in the running for the last two semifinal spots, UE still has an inside track with its even 6-6 card. Simply put, one win should secure its Final Four seat and they’ll have two games to accomplish that, the first of which is on Wednesday against Ateneo.
But it seems like reaching that seven-win plateau gets a little bit more difficult with Precious Momowei set to serve his one-game ban in the 6:30 p.m. game at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion following his ejection from their last game against University of Santo Tomas.
READ: UAAP upholds suspension on UE's Precious Momowei
It’s an unwanted adversity and an added burden for the Red Warriors, but a challenge they’re embracing.
After all, it’s almost the same case as last season with Momowei also suspended for their second round faceoff against the Blue Eagles.
“Hindi naman kami bago sa ganoon,” said Santiago.
“Ang maganda lang is we saw the other players step up and hopefully by our next game madala pa rin namin yun. Ie-embrace namin yun.”
La Salle out to build momentum for semis, NU eyes graceful exit
La Salle and National University, meanwhile, wrap up their elimination assignments at 2 p.m.
The Green Archers, already locked up in the no. 1 spot and a twice-to-beat advantage, get one last workout before the Final Four as coach Topex Robinson aims to give more exposure to his players while also giving main men Kevin Quiambao and Michael Phillips a right mix of action and rest.
On the other hand, the also-ran Bulldogs want one last flurry to end this tumultuous season with coach Jeff Napa expecting Jake Figueroa, Jolo Manansala, and PJ Palacielo to lead the fight.
And if there’s one venue to spring that surprise, it’s definitely in UST – the site of NU’s shock 67-47 upset blowout of University of the Philippines last Nov. 3.
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