Though the final line-up of the top 4 is quite predictable, still there are a couple of hopefuls who will never say die to get to the Final Four of the Senior Basketball Division in 69^th season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines.

Here are brief recaps of the updates as of August 30, 2006:

ATENEO on its very first loss

August 27 marked the break of the Blue Eagles’ winning streak, as UST defeated them with an 8-point lead via overtime, 88-80 at the Philsports Arena, formerly ULTRA, in Pasig City. With this, the Tigers grabbed the chance to still get to the Final Four as it now ties its win-loss card to 5.

UST was able to defeat Ateneo even without its key player, Anthony Espiritu, who was down by typhoid fever. Allan Evangelista came to the rescue and led his team with 30 points.

Ateneo de Manila for its part is still on top, although it was unfortunate for the Eagles as they were really after a winning sweep this season.

The Defending Champs Still on Defense

FEU won’t easily let go of the Final Four grab as it stays alive with a crucial win over National University, 72-60.

The Tamaraws were able to push their standing a little more with 5 wins and 6 losses. Thanks to veteran Jeffrey Chan and rookie Alfred Gerilla who stole the winning points in the last quarter. Chan had a total of 16 points while Gerilla earned 12 points.

The Bulldogs, who took the early lead during the game and normally has a good roster of shooters, now fall to an alarming 3-7 win-loss standing.

UP totally out in the Finals

Seems another pretty bad season for the Maroons as they failed to get another chance to Championship this year. The Falcons kept focused on their goal to the Final Four leaving UP with a frustrating 2-8 standing. Adamson beat UP, 76-68, last Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Kenneth Bono was responsible for UP’s downfall to the last spot. Bono has been exceptionally playing well among his teammates, as he finds out that he’s being eyed for the MVP award.

Still, the Falcons have to fight more and play their very best to defeat rivals UE and UST in the Top Four.

Team Standings (Seniors)

Elimination                                            Win                                  Loss

ADMU Eagles                                          8                                      1

UE Warriors                                            7                                      2

FEU Tamaraws                                        5                                      6

UST Tigers                                             5                                      5

ADU Falcons                                           4                                      5

NU Bulldogs                                            3                                      7

UP Maroons                                            2                                      8

Schedule of Next Games

Aug. 31, 2006           Ninoy Aquino Stadium

UP Maroons         vs       UST Tigers

UE Warriors         vs       ADU Falcons

September 2            ULTRA

NU Bulldogs    vs       ADMU Eagles

September 3            ULTRA

ADU Falcons            vs       UST Tiger

UP Maroons             vs       UE Warriors

Sept. 7                   ULTRA

NU Bulldogs             vs       ADU Falcons

FEU Tamaraws         vs       ADMU Eagles

Sept. 9                   ULTRA

ADMU Eagles  vs       UE Warriors

UAAP followers can start counting the days to the Final Four line-up.

With a couple of days remaining to determine who will make it to the top, e-BOTAK will surely be attuned to the next series of games.

Hail to the Alma Maters! Hail to the College Athletic spirit!

Source: www.uaapgames.com