BOTH University of the East and University of Santo Tomas have the same goal in mind: to make it to the Final Four of the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament.
After all, it's been a while since the two proud programs made it to the semifinals.
The Red Warriors last reached that level way back in 2009 when the likes of Paul Lee, Elmer Espiritu, and Pari Llagas were still in the red-and-whites and finished as runner-up to Ateneo of Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Noy Baclao.
On the flipside, it's been a five-year wait for the Growling Tigers, who last made it through when Soulemane Chabi Yo, Rhenz Abando, and Mark Nonoy were repping the black-and-gold and ended up as bridesmaids to the Thirdy Ravena and Ange Kouame-led Blue Eagles.
But though UE (6-5) and UST (5-7) currently occupy the third and fourth places in the standings, their positions are not set in stone just yet - all the more with the recent funks they find themselves in.
After promising first round performances, the Red Warriors and the Growling Tigers are both on a downward spiral in their last assignments and have likewise won just one game in Round 2.
Worse, their forms haven't been up to par.
UE is currently on a two-game losing skid with its most recent outing a 59-51 loss to Far Eastern University, while UST is reeling from a 13-point collapse against National University, 67-62 - both decisions fanning hopes for the teams chasing them up the ladder.
But when they lock horns on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, only one team will get a much-needed reprieve.
For UE, a win in the 6:30 p.m. game would virtually clinch its place in the semifinals, ending a 15-year drought while relieving some of the pressure for guys like Precious Momowei, Wello Lingolingo, and Jack Cruz-Dumont.
UST, on the other hand, is in a must-win situation, as another loss would drop it down one spot and endanger the Final Four aspirations for the team bannered by Nic Cabanero, Forthsky Padrigao, and Mo Tounkara.
That being said, the Espana crew certainly want to repeat its 70-55 rout of its Recto counterpart back in opening weekend.
Clearly, Red Warriors coach Jack Santiago and Growling Tigers mentor Pido Jarencio have their work cut out for them, as they understand full well the precarious situation they find their teams in.
FEU charges to battle against Ateneo
That couldn't be more magnified with FEU (3-7) and Ateneo (3-8) both driven to make a late run and complicate the playoff picture when they collide at 3:30 p.m.
There's no room for any miscues for the Tamaraws and the Blue Eagles, as another loss for either of them may very well take them out of the running.
Expect Veejay Pre, Jorick Bautista, and Mo Konateh to lead FEU to battle, as it aims to repeat its 66-65 escape of Ateneo, while Jared Bahay, Kristian Porter, and Chris Koon attempt to make a reversal of fortunes.
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