Games on Thursday
(Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. Adamson vs FEU
4 p.m. NU vs Ateneo

Defending champion Ateneo tries to move within one win of earning a twice-to-beat incentive while Far Eastern University takes another shot at a Final Four berth when they meet separate foes on Thursday in the 72nd UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles take on the National University Bulldogs in the main game at 4 p.m., hoping to win their 10th game in 11 matches.

The Tamaraws, on the other hand, are hoping to secure a semis berth when they battle the upset-minded Adamson Falcons at 2 p.m.

Although last year's MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini struggled offensively, the Loyola-based dribblers still beat University of Santo Tomas, 80-70.

Ateneo coach Norman Black credited Kirk Long for the win after the defensive specialist exploded for a career-high 21 points.

Although happy to see Ateneo reach the Final Four for the 11th consecutive season, Black is still far from being satisfied.

"We're really trying to make it to the top two, so we have to keep winning," said Black, who expects the 6-foot-6 Al-Hussaini to recover his deadly form.

The multi-titled mentor will also rely on old reliables like Eric Salamat, Ryan Buenafe, forward Nonoy Baclao, and Nico Salva as they seek their 26th win since last year.

The Tamaraws are determined to rebound from a stunning 87-72 loss to the University of the East Warriors that saw their eight-game winning streak end.

FEU coach Glenn Capacio hopes to see a more consistent showing from his team after shooting just 34-percent from the field, a far cry from its second-best 42-percent clip average this season, while allowing the UE trio of Pari Llagas, Elmer Espiritu, and Paul Lee to combine for 62 points.

"Kailangan ma-maintain namin yung defensive mentality namin at mas maging consistent pa dahil isa kami sa mga tinatarget ng mga teams," said Capacio.

And they ought to be careful against the Falcons.

In the first round, the Morayta-based dribblers survived some harrowing moments before repulsing the challenge of the Falcons, 63-60.

Adamson is coming off an impressive 79-50 victory over NU last Saturday.

For the Falcons want to upset the Tams this time around, they will have to draw the best from PBL veterans Leo Canuday and Jan Colina.