think rainbows

First of these comebacks, and was definitely the biggest heartbreaker of them all, was the NU-UP game last Saturday. UP registered a 20-point lead at least against the Bulldogs in the third quarter of the game, and was high hopes coming into the fourth that they will finally register a win. NU though, peaking at the right moment, was able to catch up in the fourth quarter, and eventually won the game. Things turned around at the fourth quarter, with Woody Co fouling out and no one stepping up to lead the Maroons to their almost first win. The Bulldogs took advantage of the endgame collapse of the fighting maroons, and thus, they’re now at 3-4 in the team standings after the first round, while UP, still winless at 0-7.

The Falcons were also comeback winners, as they defeated the Green Archers yesterday. Once again, we saw the Green Archers play well during the first three quarters of the game even though it was still a close game. Going into the fourth quarter, instinct tells you that the Archers will continue on with a win with the way they were playing the game. But the Falcons had a different mindset. Although trailing by 7 points going into the 4th quarter, Coach Leo Austria decided to change their defense to zone, and it indeed worked well for them. Lasalle didn’t see this coming and just couldn’t keep up with Adamson. The game ended with a 70-68 win by Adamson, placing them behind the undefeated leader of the pack FEU at 5-2, while Lasalle dropped to 4-3 placing at solo third.

The Blue Eagles faced the Red Warriors yesterday giving the UAAP fans another exciting match-up, reminiscent of the last season’s finals. People may have thought that considering their team standings, UE would be having a hard time catching up with Ateneo. But at the first three quarters, those who thought that were wrong. UE was playing splendid basketball, their plays were definitely working out for them, and it was Ateneo who was having a hard time and were just not the usual Ateneo team that you see during their games. But this has almost always been Ateneo’s story, at least for most of their games. They would get beaten up at the first half at least, and then create mayhem for their opponent at the second half, and eventually pulling away with a win. They have the best clutch players in the league in my opinion, those who will really make big baskets when you need them the most. Ateneo is the team that you have to beat at the endgame. You have to keep up with them for the first three quarters, and then beat them at the endgame because that’s usually when they have their best game. In short, you have to really play well for four quarters if you want to beat the Blue Eagles. Unfortunately for UE, they were victims as well of the Ateneo comeback game. They played really well though; it just didn’t last until the final few minutes where a lot of turnarounds could still happen. UE dropped to 1-6 in the team standings, while Ateneo is tied with Adamson in second place at 5-2. (‘Hay salamat, Salamat’-saw this tweet from someone during yesterday’s game, he was the hero for that game alright.)

The UST-FEU game was awaited by a lot of UAAP fans, especially the supporters of the two teams, mainly because of two things. If FEU wins, they sweep the first round of eliminations and remain undefeated. If UST wins, they will be the first team to scrape the spotless record of FEU; something which is tough to do, but not impossible. By now, all teams respect the three-point shooting of UST which is their best offensive weapon. But against a big FEU team, the Tigers will be having a hard time playing defense against more experienced Tamaraws, and on the perimeter area mainly. FEU expected UST to go to their strength in the rainbow country, and that was the main focus of their defense. UST, surprisingly, did not rely too much on their 3-point shooting at the first half, and were able to contain FEU as well by playing good defense. The Tigers were even able to make their perimeter shots, even registering an 11-point lead at the 2nd quarter. FEU looked like they were caught a bit off-guard at this and UST had the lead at the half. FEU woke up in the third quarter, but UST was able to keep their composure despite their errors and turnovers which always haunted them. At the fourth quarter, FEU was determined to push it to a win and was successful. They were able to play good defense resulting to UST’s miserable offense in the fourth, allowing UST a field goal only after more than 5 minutes of the last 10 minutes of play time have passed. This eventually gave FEU the win, 65-57, to remain undefeated at the top and drop UST to 3-4, in a tie for fourth place with the Bulldogs. (I just have to say, Chris Camus is the man! Aside from Clark, and the Jerics of course.)

Now that the first round of eliminations is over, the real battle begins. Teams have worked their asses off for the first round. We’ve seen them improve, be miserable, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The first round was where we saw heroes emerge, who’s good at this and who’s good at that. Now it all boils down to the second round, it’s now or never. All of the teams will be aiming for the win in all of their games starting Thursday, and that makes it even harder for everyone. They all have to put their best foot forward, play effective basketball, and hope and pray that they get to their goal. The Tamaraws have the edge against everyone as they enter the second round with a clean slate, but pressure’s definitely on them. Adamson and Ateneo are not far behind as they are tied in the second spot. The Green Archers have to step up more if they want to be in the final four this year. UST and NU have to give their all if they want to stay in the race as well to the final four. UE can probably still have a shot and create chaos at the standings but will be facing tough competition, and as for UP, they have to work doubly extra hard to at least register a win this season. This has got to be the most volatile season of the UAAP by far. Watch out for more unpredictability in the second round of UAAP action. See you at the games! :) Go Tigers!!! Go USTe!!

And oh, the cheerdance competition is also nearing!! It will be held on September 12, if my sources are correct. Bawi Salinggawi! :)