UAAP Final Four preview: FEU vs. DLSU

The FEU Tamaraws find themselves in an unfamiliar situation having the “twice-to-beat” advantage in tomorrow’s Final Four match-up with the De La Salle Green Archers, the same team that ousted them in the semis last season. There have been so many surprises in Season 77, and this is just one of them. I mean, DLSU was expected to have a stroll in the park this year with most of last season’s championship core returning, plus promising rookies. But from the opening day, the Tams have been the thorn in the Archers’ side.

Following its 65-60 triumph over La Salle last September 21 in a playoff game for the No. 2 spot, FEU is currently 3-0 versus the defending titlist. This makes a very interesting encounter.

FEU’S KEYS TO VICTORY:

1. Fluid Offense. The Tams are the second-best scoring team this season with a 73.7 ppg norm as opposed to the Archers’ 71.7. In their September 21 meeting, FEU pushed the pace and relentlessly attacked the basket to establish control of the game early.  Its Dribble Drive Motion offense is able to find openings for Mike Tolomia, Mac Belo and the rest of the Tamaraws to score inside the paint. Their quick ball movement and constant penetrations gave headaches to La Salle’s defense. But there were times when they also gambled on deliberate attacks like posting up Belo or isolation plays for Tolomia. I think they should stick to the fluid ball movement that they are most effective with. La Salle, after all, is a good defensive team (No. 3) with good size to cover the shaded area.

2. Box out. It is evident that FEU is the smaller team. Moreover, the Archers are the best in rebounding this year with 47 rpg as opposed to the Tams’ 42.1. Using a well-planned post defense scheme, FEU was able to stop most of the Archers’ post attacks. But in several instances, DLSU was able to score on putbacks. The Tams need to block out the Archers to complete the defensive stops.  Or they can gang rebound. La Salle is the biggest team in college basketball today and it can make you pay inside the paint with second chance points, a department that it also lords over all teams with 9.9 ppg.

3. Apply the pressure. Since DLSU coach Juno Sauler uses mostly just an 8-man rotation, FEU must take advantage by continuously applying the pressure on the ball handlers. These eight DLSU players are the only ones averaging over ten minutes per game, and only one of them – Kib Montalbo – is a legit point guard.  Almond Vosotros and Jeron Teng can play point sometimes but their offensive output is crucial to DLSU. Robert Bollick, the other point guard, averages just nine minutes per game. Applying the pressure can also speed up the game, which should favor the Tams.

4. Run, run, run. The Tams have the edge in an up-tempo game, especially that they are the smaller and faster team.  DLSU loves to go to their half court sets to take advantage of its tall frontline trio of Arnold Van Opstal, Norbert Torres and Jason Perkins. This is why FEU can benefit more in a running game, where La Salle’s behemoths will have a tougher time keeping up with the pace.

5. Interior defense. Everything starts in defense. FEU did a stellar job defensively in all their three wins over the Archers this year.  Especially noteworthy is its double teaming defense at the post, which is La Salle’s main domain. A good half-court defense can also start the Tams’ transition game. But this will be easier said than done in tomorrow’s game as Sauler will surely come up with adjustments in his team’s offense. Perhaps FEU mentor Nash Racela will also come up with new tricks defensively, as he has in all three encounters. I think this will be the biggest key in tomorrow’s crucial match.

LA SALLE’S KEYS TO VICTORY

1. New sets. FEU’s three wins over DLSU were a result of a good defensive game plan. The Tams knew that the Archers’ most potent weapon is their post game.  And they did an excellent job in limiting La Salle’s points from the post. In their last game, Sauler even tried to have AVO, Perkins and Torres on the floor at the same time to make defensive mismatches. But the Tams still found ways to handle DLSU’s post game. It’s time for the Archers to have new looks in their offense by applying new set plays. They need to mix up things and not be predictable.

2. Outside shooting. For sure, FEU will be putting the clamps on La Salle’s post players again. This is why it is crucial for the Archers to hit their mark from the outside.  Last time, DLSU made a run in the third period with back-to-back treys from Julian Sargent and Vosotros. I think the Tams will gamble on allowing La Salle to take more outside shots. And so, the Archers better have their bows and arrows ready for tomorrow’s battle. Perhaps sweet-shooting Matt Salem can make a difference if given the chance. If DLSU can have a good shooting game, a rubber match is likely to happen.

3. Transition Game. Since the Tams are mostly successful in disrupting La Salle’s offensive sets, the Archers must try to score in transition more. They were actually successful in several fast break attempts last time, especially in the second quarter. They sliced a 14-27 deficit down to seven markers with three successive baskets in transition. This means they are capable of running especially with Teng and Vosotros pushing the ball.

4. Bench Scoring and Balanced Offense.  La Salle clearly needs to get points from its bench.  A review of its scoring output reveals that 55% come from three players only, namely Teng (17.4ppg), Vosotros (11.5ppg) and Perkins (10.5ppg).  The next best scorers are AVO (7.9 ppg), Torres (7.8ppg) and Sargent (5.6ppg). The Archers need to have more fingers in the scoring pie and a more balanced offense in order to beat the Tams.

5. Ball movement. Against a good defensive team like FEU, good ball movement is a must. Any excellent defensive unit will always struggle against a good passing team. It’s not easy rotating especially when applying a trapping or double-teaming defense. There will always be open shooters or cutters when the ball is moved well. There were some instances last game when the Tams’ defensive rotation was slow to cover the shooters or take care of the helper’s man under the basket. Good ball movement will make the Tams think twice when double- teaming or trapping.

This fourth meeting between FEU and DLSU should be most exciting one. The Tams know that even with the twice-to-beat incentive, they are still considered the underdogs in this match-up. The defending champs still have all the tools to make a run for the title this year. The coaching prowess of both Racela and Sauler will be in full display. And so will the fighting hearts of these two collegiate giants.