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

Defending champion Ateneo and Far Eastern University clash on Saturday with the No. 1 slot in the Final Four on the line at the close of the 72nd UAAP basketball elimination round at the Araneta Coliseum.

Both teams are hoping to finish their elimination campaign on a high note before the championship chase begins exactly a week from now. The Final Four pairings will be played separately on September 19 and 20.

The 4 p.m. encounter is seen by many as a preview of their projected title showdown.

Clashing at 2 p.m. are Adamson and University of the Philippines.

Although the Blue Eagles are alone on top with a 12-1 record, the Tamaraws have the chance to emerge No. 1. That is if they beat the Katipunan-based squad by at least five points.

Both team, however, enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage over their respective opponents in the Final Four owing to their 1-2 positions.

"We’re aiming for the No. 1 spot. When you reach this point of the season, it’s all about winning,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black, whose team beat FEU, 63-59, in their first meeting last July 12.

Like Black, FEU coach Glenn Capacio is out to secure the top spot since the No. 1 team after the elims will face the rookie-laden University of Santo Tomas while the second placer battles the dangerous University of the East.

“Sabi ko sa team ko wala nang madaling game, lahat mahirap na. Kailangan maging sharp na kami lalo na sa endgame,” said Capacio.

The game could also play a huge role in the race for the Most Valuable Player award as Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini and FEU’s Aldrech Ramos are chasing UST’s Dylan Ababou for the coveted plum.

This year, the Board decided to use the statistics to determine the MVP winner to avoid controversy.

The UP Maroons will dedicate their game to the father of team captain Arvie Braganza whose father, Agapito Braganza, passed away early Monday morning at age 62 after suffering a heart attack hours after watching his son play during Sunday's game at The Arena in San Juan.

The Falcons, on the other hand, are coming off an 83-64 win over UST, also held Sunday, and will try to snatch fifth spot from La Salle if they win.