Take 2: Bulldogs go for twice-to-beat vs Ateneo

By Josiah Albelda Posted Sep 11th 2013

Foiled the last time out, National University won't allow a chance to seal a twice-to-beat edge slip this time.

Against a desperate Ateneo de Manila University squad, however, that would be easier said than done.

The Bulldogs and the Blue Eagles collide in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament on Wednesday, with both teams fighting for playoff positioning deep into the elimination round.

At 9-4, NU needs to only beat Ateneo to nab their first top-two finish in the Final Four era and coach Eric Altamirano and his wards know that.

Fresh off a heartbreaking loss to La Salle, when the Bulldogs wasted a nine-point lead with five minutes left, the Sampaloc-based crew will be raring to bounce back mightily against the five-peat champions.

Jean Mbe will be at the forefront of that redemption bid, as the Cameroonian big man struggled with fouls and inefficiency in their defeat to the Green Archers.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are hungry for a victory, too, especially now that coach Bo Perasol is embroiled in yet another controversy after being at the Mall of Asia Arena while serving his one-game suspension.

University of the East has asked for a probe into the matter and the possibility of a rematch has been floated in media reports, forcing Ateneo to chalk up every win it can get.

Ray Parks would also attempt to cement his frontrunner status as an MVP candidate against Kiefer Ravena, who was instrumental in the Eagles' win over the Red Warriors.

Ravena scored a season-high 22 points and was perfect from within the arc in helping Ateneo notch its seventh win in 12 games.
The game will air live on Studio 23, BALLS HD 167 and uaapsports.tv with a same day replay starting at 11 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable channel 34 or Destiny Cable channel 36.