Falcons set eyes on twiceto-beat edge

ADAMSON University, already assured of a Final Four entry, now sets its eyes on a twice- to- beat advantage when it battles ousted University of the East ( UE) in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament today at the Araneta Coliseum.

Adamson (9-3) booked its third straight semifinal appearance with a 9683 rout of University of Sto. Tomas (UST) just three days back.

A second consecutive win by the Soaring Falcons in their 2 p.m. encounter against the Red Warriors (1-11) will push them closer to a twice-to-beat bonus.

But veteran hoops tactician Franz Pumaren is cautioning his wards against complacency as they face UE.

“Sometimes, it’s scary to play a team that’s already eliminated. Playing a team that has no pressure, it’s not a sure win. Remember, they (UE) were able to beat FEU, which beat us and Ateneo,” said Pumaren.

“I’ll be hypocrite if I tell you that we’re already happy with entering the Final Four. We want to get that particular incentive,” he added.

Pumaren will once again count on veteran forward Sean Manganti, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Simon Camacho and Cameroonian center Papi Sarr to get the job done.

UE, on the other hand, is just out to play the spoiler’s role and end a horrible seven-game losing skid.

In the 4 p.m. main game, University of the Philippines (6-6) eyes a solo fourth against fellow Final Four contender UST (5-7).

Off an 82-71 beating of National University last week, the Fighting Maroons gun for a second win in a row that will pull them out of a deadlock with Far Eastern University at No. 4.

The Growling Tigers though are seeking a repeat win over the Maroons to avoid being pushed to the brink of elimination and snap a two-game slide.

UST, under coach Aldin Ayo, downed State U, under Bo Perasol, 86-72, in the first round.