NU sizes up dangerous Falcons

NATIONAL University (NU) aims to extend its winning run when it faces the dangerous Adamson University in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City today.

The Bulldogs (2-5) wants a repeat of their 88- 61 drubbing of University of the East in their 4 p.m. encounter with the Soaring Falcons (6-2).

“The feeling is very good but of course you’re facing one of the best basketball teams in college right now and arguably one of the best coaches in Franz Pumaren. We got our hands full right now,” said NU head coach Jamike Jarin.

Prized rookies John Lloyd Clemente and Sean Ildefonso along with Senegalese center Issa Gaye and forward Troy Rike are expected to lead the Bulldogs, who are eyeing a share of No. 6 with University of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Falcons are eager to snap a

in the second round.

with back-to-back overtime defeats to Far Eastern University (85-88) and De La Salle University (78-79).

Veterans Jerrick Ahanmisi, Sean Manganti and Cameroonian big man Papi Sarr are expected to lead the Falcons, who are eyeing to join Ateneo De Manila University at the top.

In the opening game at 2 p.m., La Salle (43) seeks a share of the third as it collides with cellar-dwelling UE (1-6).

Upbeat after an overtime win against the Falcons, the Green Archers aim for a second straight win that will allow them to share No. 3 with Far Eastern U.

The Red Warriors, meanwhile, are raring to end a two-game slide and rekindle their Final Four hope.