Game Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 2 p.m. Awarding Ceremonies 4 p.m. FEU vs NU (FEU leads series 1-0)
A grand coronation at one of Philippine sports hallowed grounds is what Far Eastern University is determined to fulfill today as the Tamaraws shoot for their UAAP title in almost a decade in the resumption of their best-of-three finals with the National University Bulldogs.
Hungry to end a nine-year drought that seems like an eternity, FEU is itching on finishing off a dangerous NU side when they resume hostilities at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tipoff is set at 4 p.m., with Tamaraws coach Nash Racela treating the contest as if it was the Bulldogs who took Game 1.
We will treat it as if its a do-or-die game, Racela said after FEUs 75-70 win in the series opener last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Asked to expound, Racela said that FEUs past experiences have shown that having a one-game advantage isnt a guarantee.
FEU can look back at their Final Four series with the dethroned champion La Salle Green Archers, when the Tamaraws had to go through a sudden death duel despite holding a twice-to-beat incentive.
It took a buzzer-beating shot by Mac Belo in the knockout game to propel the Tamaraws to this stage, and on the cusp of a record 20th championship.
Mas maganda kung tatapusin na namin, kasi mahihirapan kami kung bibigyan pa namin sila ng chance, Racela said after yesterdays practice which he hopes would be the last in a season filled with ups and downs.
The Tams took the series lead behind a collection of players, primarily veteran RR Pogoy who scored 10 of his 14 points in the third quarter that gave them a 13-point second half lead.
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Title-hungry Tams go for it