Sports: UAAP Final Four, Finally Set

One of the top basketball leagues in the Philippines, is moving into the Semi Finals phase or as it is commonly known the UAAP Final Four, and yes the term was adopted from the NCAA in the US just incase you're wondering.

It couldn't have concluded more dramatically, literally the last seconds were the defining moments between the top two seeds, the Eagles were facing off the Tamaraws on their last games in the second round, if the latter wins they'll be tied for the top spot, and since the Eagles won by 4 points over the Tams in the first round of competition, the Tamaraws only had to win by more than 5 points since the quotient rule was being applied.

Things were going the Tamaraw's way as they came out strong by closing the 1st quarter 11 points ahead of their opponents, Smart Gilas teammates Mark Barroca and JR Cawaling providing much of that fire, and though the Eagles answered back in the second quarter, the Tams coming off the Halftime break managed to keep their composure as they held the Eagles to only 10 points in the 3rd quarter, showing off the defensive game that they're well-known for, and leading by as much as 18 points frustration was settling in for the Eagles, as one of their players (Nico Salva) gets thrown out of the game for throwing a closed fist to the mid section of a Tamaraw (Jens Knuttel).

A Real roller coaster ride kind of a match ... so far, but a Basketball game doesn't end at the 3rd quarter, the Eagles ignited a 12 - 0 run, bringing back the game within their reach. It was turning out to be a neck to neck game after all, with now less than a minute to play the game was tied at (72 - 72) and the Eagles had possession, the situation was that if they lose the ball and the Tams get possession what would the Tamaraws do? remember they need to win by 5 points and with the time going against them, it would be wiser to send this into Overtime and finish off the Eagles in the extra five minutes. On the other hand the Eagles can easily foul a Tamaraw which would send them to the charity line and force them to shoot. Apparently the Tamaraws couldn't hold on to the tie with 19 seconds remaining Rabeh Al-Hussaini puts up a two and converts (74 - 72), yet fouls Reil Cervantes on the other end with only 2 seconds left, another chance for the Tamaraws to bring it to overtime and as Al-Hussaini fouls out the chances seem to be on the Tamaraw's side. Cervantes swiftly gets his first shot in, but misses the second. The reigning Champions win by cling on with their claws on a one point lead.

Much of the fire power came for Tamaraws came from Paul Sanga who was 5/11 from beyond the arc and finished with 19 points, the reliable Aldrech Ramos finished off with yet another double-double 16 points and 17 rebounds. more info and stats on www.inboundpass.com


So the Final Four Order is:

Ateneo de Manila - Blue Eagles (Record: 13 - 1)
Far Eastern University - Charging Tamaraws (Record: 11 - 3)
University of the East - Red Warriors (Record: 10 - 4)
University of Santo Tomas - Growling Tigers (Record: 6 - 8)

In the Semi Final Round, the top two seeds have a twice to beat advantage. The Eagles are facing off the Tigers, and obviously it's going to be another "Laban ng Silangan" (Battle of the East) as the Charging Tamaraws go against one of their rivals the Red Warriors, both teams will have the hunger for the title, as the Tams haven't won it during the post Arwind Santos era, and the Warriors despite sweeping both rounds of eliminations of Season 70, gave away the title to the De LaSalle Green Archers. The Archers are actually missing out being part of the Final Four only for the second time since they first joined the league in 1987.

So will the Eagles get their back-to-back title? will the Warriors' fighting spirit prevail? will the killer instinct of the Tigers provide them the title? or will the Tamaraws charge through the competition with a furious stampede? Mark your calendars Sept. 19 and 20 are the dates to watch out for.