NOT everyone gets a chance to make it to the Final Four, but for University of the East, it got five.
And although they flubbed their first four tries, the Red Warriors still have one last crack at avoiding complications and move on to the postseason of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
That’s why despite the hard luck that has befallen the Recto squad, coach Jack Santiago is opting to stick to the positives, knowing that no matter how terrible the four-game losing skid has been, all it takes is for one win to rectify their problems.
“Buhay pa naman kami. Yun ang mahalaga, na hawak pa rin namin yung kapalaran namin kahit hindi namin alam kung bakit ganito yung nangyayari sa team,” he said.
First, the good news.
Precious Momowei is back for vengeance after serving a one-game suspension, one which saw UE suffer a shock 71-67 loss to Ateneo last Wednesday.
READ: UE eager for Momowei return for 'test of character' vs UP
Santiago said that the Nigerian big man was deeply apologetic for missing that game, which only sets the table for a huge redemption game for the 6-foot-9 dynamo.
“Sobrang nag-sorry siya sa teammates niya na wala siya last game, so expect niyo na babawi siya ng matindi,” the mentor stated.
Now, the bad news.
UE’s dreams of reaching the Final Four faces a monumental hindrance in the form of the mighty University of the Philippines.
The Fighting Maroons (10-3) are already locked in at no. 2, but even if they already own a twice-to-beat advantage, coach Goldwin Monteverde still wants his wards to make final tweaks before facing off against no. 3 University of Santo Tomas in the Final Four.
READ: Adamson can still make Final Four, with help from UP Maroons
That’s why the 5:30 p.m. game at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan is not one that UP is taking lightly.
“There are still a lot of things na gusto naming ma-improve. Di naman kami nasa-satisfy kahit na sigurado na kami sa spot namin. So tine-take namin na seryoso yung laro kasi preparation na din namin yun papunta sa Final Four,” said Monteverde.
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