Kobe Paras eyes encore as UP battles NU

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2019 08:34:24 +0000

University of Santo Tomas hopes to solidify its hold of solo second when it battles dangerous Adamson while Kobe Paras hopes to re-produce his stellar debut when University of the Philippines goes for back-to-back wins today in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UP's Kobe Paras celebrates with teammate David Murrel in the UAAP Season 82 against Adamson at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, September 15, 2019 (Rio Deluvio)

UP’s Kobe Paras celebrates with  David Murrel after their overtime win over Adamson. (Rio Deluvio)

The Tigers collide with the Adamson Falcons at 12:30 p.m. while Paras and company battle the National University of Bulldogs at 10:30 a.m. with the latter out to snap a three-game losing skid.

The 6-foot-5 Paras had a solid all-around performance in the team’s 83-82 overtime win over the Falcons last Sunday by scattering 20 points including some highlight moves that thrilled a predominantly UP crowd.

He also had six rebounds, two blocks and a steal in a dream debut for UP – the school which his father – PBA great Benjie – helped win the UAAP crown 33 years ago.

Also expected to deliver for the Maroons are reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie, Ricci Rivero, and brothers Juan and Javi de Liano Gomez.

Far Eastern University (1-2) and De La Salle (1-2) battle at 4 p.m. with both teams determined to hike their 1-2 cards.

With only two days of rest from a scary 87-84 overtime win over the National University of Bulldogs, UST coach Aldin Ayo looks worried about the physical conditioning of his wards.

“Yung recovery ng katawan ng mga bata ang importante eh, because (Soulemane) Chabi Yo played 39 minutes tapos si Mark (Nonoy) nag-cramps pa,” he said.

Technical-wise, Ayo said his boys need to execute their plays with precision since the Falcons have what it takes to pull off big wins because of their time-tested system under coach Franz Pumaren.

“Kahit nagpalit ng mga player, wala namang nagbago sa Adamson kasi their system is in place eh,” he said. “Yan ang kagandahan pag may sistema. As long as the system is in
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