THE National University (NU) will be gearing up for another win against Far Eastern University today, Saturday, following a convincing victory against De La Salle University (DLSU) Thursday.
On top of NU’s target list is FEU's Zamboanga hotshot Ryan Roose Garcia, whose commanding presence brought Ateneo to a standstill last July 11.
“We have to limit the touches of RR because he is really good. RR makes the team look very nice,” said debuting coach Eric Gonzales.
The first time coach could never be wrong as Garcia handed to Ateneo its first season opener loss in five years after scoring 25 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
On that game, a crafty Garcia shattered the game’s last deadlock at 67 when he completed a three-point play off a Jason Escueta foul for a 70-67 lead with 1:19 remaining.
Ateneo’s Norman Black earlier praised the sophomore guard for his monster performance last Sunday while FEU coach Glenn Capacio credited him for playing like a veteran.
Garcia was tasked to fill in the shoes left by fellow Zamboangueno Mark Barroca, a Smart-Gilas national development squad member, which is tipped to represent the Philippines in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China this November.
“The only advantage I’ve seen for FEU is their big men and we will match it with our talent. We just have to do our best on Saturday,” said Gonzales.
Calling the shots for the Bulldogs will be Cameroonian center Emmanuel Mbe, third year Jewel Ponferrada and veteran Joseph Hermosisima, who were instrumental for NU’s 59-55 win over the Green Archers.
The Tamaraws meanwhile, will rely on 20-year-old Garcia, big man Reil Cervantes and Smart-Gilas member Aldrech Ramos for the team’s 2-0 bid.
Games Today (Philports Arena, Pasig City)
2 p.m. -- NU vs FEU
4 p.m. -- UP vs Adamson
r(Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)