NU seeks second UAAP semifinal spot against UE
UP faces FEU in the other men's fixture, aiming to secure a top-two finish and a twice-to-beat advantage.
A victory over University of the East would put National University into the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball Final Four alongside University of the Philippines. NU's bid for a direct semifinal place takes place at Smart Araneta Coliseum, with tip-off set for 2:30 p.m.
Two successive wins have helped the Bulldogs reach an 8-3 record and second place. They are assured of a playoff at minimum, but La Salle and Far Eastern University remain behind them at 6-5, while University of Santo Tomas has a 6-6 record.
NU coach Jeff Napa said preparation and mindset would matter regardless of his team's eventual position. Last season, the Bulldogs topped the standings but were beaten twice by eventual champions La Salle despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
UP, the only team already through, carries a 9-2 record into its 5 p.m. meeting with FEU. The Fighting Maroons are pursuing a seventh consecutive top-two finish, which would bring a twice-to-beat advantage. Their seven-game winning streak followed a 90-79 defeat by FEU in the first round.
UE is out of contention at 1-11. The Red Warriors ended a 30-game losing run two games ago, then lost 97-70 to UST.
