We are down to the last game of the elimination round and the Green Archers’ Final Four fate remains uncertain.
What is certain though is that they have one more lifeline should they lose this one. They can hope for FEU to lose their last game to Adamson but if that does not happen, it will be a playoff.
Tomorrow’s game against UP is gonna be a make or break for them. They drop this and they will slide down to fourth with the possibility of facing the Tamaraws for the last slot in the semis. And even if they do get in, they shall face Ateneo, a team they have not yet beaten this season with a twice-to-beat advantage. Tall order right?
Is that the path they want to take?
But there’s a better option. Win this game against the Fighting Maroons which would then secure the third seed in the Final Four. This will set them up for another showdown with Adamson. And even if La Salle has to beat them twice this time, we can all agree that they have a better chance here than in the other scenario.
Now even with a complete roster, La Salle should not fall into complacency. Just like them, the Fighting Maroons have been resillient all season and tomorrow they will go all out to make history – enter the semis for the first time in 21 years.
This game is going to be intense and emotional as both squads would want to avoid going through a much difficult path. Already expect a playoff atmosphere here.
For the Green Archers, there should be no letdown on defense this time. Taane’s return will give them a big advantage inside so they must need to capitalize on this one. UP is a run n’ gun, fast, up-beat style tempo team so it might be a better idea to keep the pace slow.
So far this season, the team has shown that they can bounce back from a tough loss. Let’s hope this still remains to be true tomorrow.
The UP community is expected to be in full force for a possible milestone in their basketball program after years of ignominy. While the Green Archers need to come out with full energy in this game, we need to do the same from the stands.
So will it be the hard way or the easy way? Just win!