NU, Ateneo open best-of-3 finals series

The last two teams standing in the UAAP Season 81 juniors basketball tournament, National University and Ateneo, open their best-of-three Finals series today (Monday) at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Making their eight consecutive Finals appearance, the Bullpups hope to regain the crown they last won in the 2015-16 season behind Terrence Fortea, Gerry Abadiano, Cyril Gonzales, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao.

“We do our best every day. Regardless kung ano mangyayari, we give our best lang,” said NU coach Goldwin Monteverde.

The Bullpups lost to the Blue Eaglets in the championship series last year that went to distance.

Kai Sotto, Ateneo's tower of power, knows that NU is much hungrier team when Game 1 tips off at 3 p.m.

The Eaglets were swept by the Bullpups in their elimination round head-to-head this season.

“Ayun nga, kailangan naming paghandaan talaga nang mabuti yung NU kasi di sila magiging 13-1 nang patsamba-tsamba lang,” said the 7-foot-1 Sotto. “Kailangan din naming maging ready kasi alam naming ibibigay talaga ng NU yung lahat.”

Ateneo hopes to have a healthy ace guard Forthsky Padrigao, who sat out late in their game against Far Eastern University-Diliman due to cramps. The Sotto-Geo Chiu twin towers will be the Eaglets' main weapon to match up against the Bullpups duo of Tamayo and Quiambao.

Game 2 will be on Friday, while the deciding game, if necessary will be played next Monday (Feb. 25).