FEU seeks fourth straight win as Ateneo faces coach's absence

Far Eastern University will try to extend its winning streak to four games when it meets Ateneo at Smart Araneta Coliseum in UAAP Season 89 men's basketball. The league-leading Tamaraws enter the 5:30 p.m. contest with a 3-1 record.

FEU opened with a 56-53 defeat by Adamson before winning three consecutive games, including victories over defending champion La Salle and University of the Philippines, a five-time finalist. Ateneo, National University and La Salle share second place at 3-2.

Coach Sean Chambers said FEU's early results were not its ultimate goal and stressed the need to keep winning to reach the Final Four. He is looking to Kirby Mongcopa, an early MVP contender, and reigning MVP Janrey Pasaol for leadership.

The Tamaraws are seeking to end an 11-year wait for a championship and a three-year absence from the Final Four. They finished fifth last year, and their previous comparable start came during their 2015 title-winning season.

Ateneo comes into the match after an 83-76 loss to La Salle in the rivals' 100th UAAP meeting denied it sole possession of first place. Interim coach Louie Alas will miss the FEU game after receiving a one-game suspension for three unsportsmanlike-behaviour infractions. National University and University of Santo Tomas meet in the earlier men's game at 3 p.m.