With Ateneo de Manila University failing to repeat its success over De La Salle University in the first round on Saturday, it finished the elimination round at 7-7.
And it’s now a game of wait-and-see for Tab Baldwin and his wards.
Currently, the Blue Eagles are in solo fourth, but the battle between Adamson University and University of the East will have major implications on who will claim the last Final Four ticket.
The Soaring Falcons are in fifth spot with a 6-7 slate. And they wish to force a playoff for the fourth seed with a win over the Red Warriors.
UE, although already eliminated, will look to vent its ire on Adamson as Nigerian big man Precious Momowei will make his return after serving a one-game suspension the last time out.
With all the complications, Baldwin only knows one thing for now: he’s going to be the number one fan of the Red Warriors on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I hope we get in. That’s the biggest thing. I’m a big Jack Santiago fan right now and I’m gonna go home, put my red underwear on, and cheer for the Red Warriors until the game is over,” said Baldwin after their 72-69 loss to the Green Archers.
Baldwin, however, knows that the Nash Racela-mentored Adamson will not fold easily, especially with a chance to enter the semifinals at stake.
The last time Ateneo and Adamson faced each other, the former won 62-58. Afterwards, though, Racela called out the officiating, highlighting the fourth quarter where the Blue Eagles clawed back from seven down.
“We’ll see how it plays out. Adamson’s really tough we all know that. They’re one of the tough teams to contend with.”
