SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines — In the penultimate day of UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament eliminations, De La Salle University clashes with University of Santo Tomas in a crucial duel on Saturday, September 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
UST Growling Tigers (7-5) vs DLSU Green Archers (9-4)
Game time: 4:00 PM
First round meeting: UST (63) – (58) DLSU
READ: UST survives La Salle in thrilling finish
Why UST will win: The Growling Tigers slowly crawled their way to the upper half of the standings. Now on a 3-game winning run, the Espana crew wants to move one step closer to the Final 4. To seal the victory, they have to work hard on the defensive end. After limiting UP to a season-worst 39 points, UST must shut down La Salle. Offense would be no problem with their big 3. They’re getting stronger as well, with Jeric Teng starting to get back his deadly form.
Why DLSU will win: The Green Archers have been surging in the second round, beating all 6 of their opponents. The Taft-based squad wants to keep rolling as they head towards the Final Four. Jason Perkins and Almond Vosotros have La Salle’s 1-2 punch in that winning run, but tt’s good to see Jeron Teng providing the experience down the clutch and Arnold Van Opstal inserting toughness. Those are the same things they will showcase as they try to get a crack at the twice-to-beat edge.
Key Match-up:
Aljon Mariano (13 PPG, 7.4 RPG) vs Jason Perkins (13.2 PPG, 9.2 RPG)
These exceptional forwards have given their respective teams basically everything since the start of the season. Both have the shooting, quickness, athleticism, and strength. Perkins does not only provide the energy but he can also hit the big shots under pressure. The same goes for Mariano, who was been terrific in the second round. The two of them will play huge roles in helping their team eke out a win.
X-Factors:
UST: Jeric Teng
Jeric Teng has been hobbled by injuries throughout the season but it didn’t stop him from returning on the hardcourt. After a sort of recovery game against UP, Teng’s expected to gain shape as he plunges into action against the hot La Salle team.
DLSU: Arnold Van Opstal
Van Opstal must continue to defend the paint the same way he did against Jean Mbe. It won’t be another easy night for him as he tries to contain Karim Abdul and take away the Growling Tiger’s rhythm.
What this game means: A win by the Archers forces a 3-way tie at the top. That leaves NU at number 1 while La Salle and FEU will face each other for the last twice-to-beat incentive. UST would want to win this game too, because if that happens, Ateneo will have to beat them twice to eliminate the Espana crew. If the Tigers lose, it’s a knockout battle for 4th against their fellow Season 75 finalists on September 18. – Rappler.com
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