FEU takes on De La Salle in UAAP Final Four
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws face the De La Salle University Green Archers on Saturday at 4:00 PM Manila Time, for the UAAP Season 77 Final Four at the Mall of Asia Arena.
FEU owns the twice-to-beat advantage, that would put the Tamaraws into the Finals with a win. The Tamaraws won all their three meetings over the defending champions Archers. FEU outlasted DLSU 82-77 on July 12, 82-77 on August 27, and 65-60 in the playoff just last Saturday. All the games were decided in the last two minutes.
Mike Tolomia averages 21.3 points a game against the Archers. Tolomia also has been a part of the plays that put FEU into victory in each game. Aside from scoring, Tolomia plays with heart in rebounding and defending the basket. He has to assert himself again if he wants to see his team in the UAAP Finals.
One of the biggest advantage of FEU in this match would be psychological. The Tamaraws owned FEU throughout the season and that they are confident that they will end up winning for the fourth time. The Tamaraws expect contributions from Mark Belo and Russel Escoto to dismantle the reigning champs and send them home.
De La Salle would enjoy the challenge of being the underdog. To defend their title, the Archers have to extend the match up into a do-or-die. They must win this game.
In the three losses they suffered over FEU, the Green Archers significantly fought to the end. However, they failed to connect in the crucial moments. Jeron Teng scored 28 points in their second outing and the Archers hope that their star would bring them into victory.
Last Saturday in a loss, Jason Perkins had 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Archers. Perkins has to find his way in overcoming the defense of the Tamaraws.
If the Tamaraws win, they will play the winner of the NU vs Ateneo in the UAAP 2014 finals.
