UAAP: A Sense of Urgency

We are down to the final week of the eliminations and so far we have seen the most exciting UAAP basketball in recent times. Since Sunday, three straight upsets have happened.

a.) UST beats Ateneo - UST broke the latter's unbeaten streak. This also paves the way for a final four as Ateneo loses the outright finals incentive.

b.) UST loses to UP - After looking very mighty against Ateneo, UST loses to cellar dweller UP in an exciting game. Talk about reversals.

c.) Adamson beats UE - Title favorite UE loses to final four contender Adamson, a team they had an easy time on opening day.


The Situation:

Ateneo:
Accomplishments - Already has a final four spot and a twice-to-beat advantage.
Needs - other guys have to get involved in the final four and get a psychological edge coming into the playoffs.

UE:
Accomplishment - Achieved a final four spot.
Need - Get one win to secure a twice-to-beat advantage.

UP:
Accomplishment - 3 wins with a rookie laden lineup but out of the final four race.
Need: Get a good finish that could carry through next year. Get a good center.

NU:
Accomplishment - Great season. Still has an outside chance to get a final four ticket.
Needs - Win remaining two games. Hope that two out of the three teams (UST, Adamson and FEU) only get 5 wins.

UST:
Accomplishment - A game away from a final four slot.
Needs - Win against Adamson this Sunday. If they lose, hope that FEU loses to Ateneo on Thursday.

Adamson:
Accomplishment - A game away from a final four slot. Has two chances to get that win.
Need - Just win one out of the two remaining games.

FEU:
Accomplishment - Got back to the thick of things in the final four race despite a horrible start.
Needs - Win against Ateneo on Thurday. If they lose, hope UST or Adamson end with just 5 wins.

Standings as of Sept. 1, 2006

Ateneo 8-1
UE 7-3
Adamson 5-5
UST 5-6
FEU 5-6
NU 3-7 -
UP 3-8

This is the current state of the UAAP.