View from the Enemy: UP Fighting Maroons
The FEU Tamaraws are now 2-4 in the 2nd round but coach Nash Racela and the Tamaraws don’t mind. In their point of view, they are still the team with the best record, 9-4. There is truth in the statement but the predicaments have changed. The Tamaraws are still within reach of the goal to get the twice-to-beat advantage but their fate is not all up to them anymore.
DLSU and NU racked up impressive win streaks to now tie with FEU’s record. What was once a path headed towards a solo first place finish has now become a heated battle between three teams to get the twice-to-beat incentive. The Tamaraws’ next opponent: the UP Fighting Maroons. They must get a victory against them to still have the chance of achieving their goal.
Terrence Romeo shooting over Kyle Suarez. (Photo Credit: KC Cruz, GMA News)
Keys to the game
Guard the Perimeter
UP is primarily a perimeter shooting team. FEU has got to guard guys like Marata and Asilum, stick on them and limit the perimeter shots.
Get the Rebounds
UP allows a league-worst 52.0 rebounds per game. FEU has got to capitalize on the Maroons’ weakness in rebounding. If they win the rebounding battle, there’s a big chance FEU will win this game.
Romeo must live
When Romeo has efficient scoring performances in games, it highly correlates with wins for FEU. FEU is 8-0 when Romeo scores 20 points or more. They are also 8-0 when Romeo shoots 30% or higher from the field. It’s important that Romeo gets off to a good start vs. UP and shoots well the whole game.
Eliminations coming to an end
The UP Fighting Maroons are the last obstacle in FEU’s journey to obtain the twice-to-beat advantage (Scenarios explained here). If FEU wins against UP, they have to wish NU or DLSU falters in their respective games to get the twice-to-beat. In any case, the upcoming final games will certainly be interesting. Let’s wait and see.