Today Tabloid

Far Eastern University coach Glen Capacio believes consistency will be the key to his team’s title aspirations in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

But before Capacio and the Tamaraws think of claiming their league-high 20th UAAP crown, they must first hurdle the defending champion De La Salle Green Archers.

The Tams and Archers begin their “best-of-three" series on Thursday when the two teams collide in a playoff match for the precious twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. They officially begin their semifinal series on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Best of three na ang mangyayari sa amin ng La Salle, so I believe 50-50 ang chance namin pareho," said Capacio, whose Tamaraws split their elimination-round games against La Salle.

The Archers won the first game, 73-62, while the Tams returned the favor in the second round, 83-75. Both schools also boast of an explosive starting unit and a deep bench waiting to contribute to further their respective team’s cause.

Capacio will be relying on starters Andy Barroca, Benedict Fernandez, Reil Cervantes, JR Cawaling and Marlon Adolfo to start things up for the Tamaraws.

The supporting cast of Jens Knuttel, Paul Sanga, Aldrech Ramos and the returning Marnel Baracael hopes to contribute quality minutes off the bench.

Capacio said he has no particular game plan against the Archers. “Defensively grabe ang pressure defense ng La Salle. Wala naman kaming game plan sa kanila, kailangan lang masagot namin ang press nila."

FEU’s backcourt combination of Knuttel and Barroca were ineffective in the Tamaraws’ 73-61 loss to the Red Warriors on September 4, FEU’s last elimination-round game. Barroca, who averaged 20 points in the three games prior to the loss to UE, was held to seven points while Knuttel went scoreless.

“[Barroca and Knuttel] need to put that [loss] behind them. Focus na namin ang La Salle," Capacio said.

Capacio said La Salle and University of the East have similar styles since both schools are handled by brothers Franz and Dindo Pumaren. “Kailangang mag-improve at mag-step-up ang backcourt namin. Kung sinong team ang maglalaro consistently ’yun ang mananalo."

He added that experience will be La Salle’s no.1 advantage. “La Salle has the championship experience. Tested na ang mga players nila so alam nila i-handle ang pressure ng laro. But we will be ready for them."

Asked whether an Ateneo-FEU final match-up is possible, Capacio said: “Sana nga. We are hoping for another finals appearance. Pero kailangan malampasan muna ang La Salle."

FEU last won the UAAP title in 2005 scoring a 2-0 sweep of La Salle, 75-73 and 73-71, in the finals. It was their third straight crown (2003 to 2005) after La Salle forfeited its 2004 championship. – GMANews.TV