Ateneo’s Kirk Long attacks the defense of Adamson University’s Jan Colina, Janus Lozada, and Lester Alvarez during their game in the UAAP basketball tournament. Ateneo won, 61-51. (BOB DUNGO JR.)

Games Saturday (Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. — Ateneo vs NU
4 p.m. — FEU vs UP

Having learned its lesson from an embarrassing loss to University of the Philippines, defending champion Ateneo de Manila tries to continue its winning ways when it goes for its fifth win against National University in the 72nd UAAP basketball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles bounced back from that loss against UP with a 61-51 win over the Adamson University Falcons last Thursday.

The Eagles and Bulldogs clash at 2 p.m. while Far Eastern University, the team fancied to face Ateneo in the finals, battles UP at 4 p.m.

Despite their win over the Falcons, Ateneo head coach Norman Black is far from satisfied.

"We faced a lot of adversity this week but the most important thing is to come out and play hard against NU and try to get better every game," said Black.

"Like I always said, you can't win a championship in July. Everything is about improving as the league goes on and hopefully being at your best when September gets nearer," he added.

Though NU is 1-4, the Eagles are taking the game seriously since they are bracing for a big showdown against bitter rival La Salle on Aug. 9.

"NU has a lot of energy so it will be like a track meet," said Black, who hopes to have a much-better game from his star center and last season’s MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini had only six points against the Falcons on a horrible 3-of-13 shooting.

Also expected to deliver for the Eagles are Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes, and Nico Salva.

Just like Black, FEU coach Glenn Capacio is not taking their chances against the Maroons.

"Tulad ng sinabi ko sa team ko, hindi pupwedeng mag-relax dahil kahit sinung team pwedeng manalo," said Capacio. "Hindi namin dapat i-take for granted ang UP lalo na't galing sila sa panalo sa Ateneo."

For Maroons head coach Aboy Castro, what is important for them is to avoid having a sense of being on "cloud nine" after their mighty win over the Eagles.

"I'm sure now that the boys have felt this, they will work hard and focus on practice," said Castro.

Veterans Woody Co and Magi Sison will again provide the firepower for UP while RP developmental members Mark Barroca, JR Cawaling, and Eldrech Ramos will spearhead the attack of the Tamaraws.