TOLD YA SO.

DLSU wins the tiebreaker match over FEU, 62-59 and now enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage over the Tamaraws.

Leading the way for the Archers were JV Casio (16 pts, 4 rebs, 4 assists) and Rico Maierhofer (14 pts plus a ton of offensive rebounds). Providing ample support were Malabes and Atkins, whose 3rd quarter effort pushed the Archers from a 2 point deficit to a 10pt lead in about half a quarter. But when FEU made that final push, it was Maierhofer with an unexpected threepointer and JV Casio with a beautiful spin move who put the game away.

For the Tamaraws, it was their big men (Cervantes and the comebacking Baracael) who proved to be the biggest horn in the Archers' side even as Barroca and Knuttel had subpar games. Despite their struggles, the Tams still had a chance to tie the game (Cawaling's threepointer rimmed out) proving that DLSU is far from invincible.

This weekend, DLSU and Ateneo try to forge another dream match up. Will they succeed?

ARROWS AGAINST HORNS: DLSU VS FEU

Today is the start of La Salle and FEU's own 3 game series. Why 3 game series? 

Because the winner of this match gets a twice-to-beat advantage. Meaning one of them has to win 2 games to move on to the UAAP finals (which makes it 2 out of 3). 

La Salle is led by JV Casio and Rico Maierhofer, two players who are as seasoned, battle tested and unflappable as they come. These two guys have starred in so many crucial games for La Salle that it's almost unimaginable that they would crumble in these next few games. But, to win, DLSU's young and upcoming core of Atkins, Malabes and Revilla must step up and ease the pressure on Casio and Maierhofer.

 

FEU, on the other hand, has Mark Barroca leading the charge, with big men Cervantes and Ramos giving the DLSU big men fits on defense. If the Tams get big games from Knuttel, Adolfo, Fernandez and the other FEU big guns as well, the Archer could be neck deep in dung.

My take? La Salle wins the first game, then FEU comes back to take the second game. Finally, DLSU squeaks out a victory in OT in the rubbermatch and marches on to face Ateneo (who should beat the UE Warriors easily).