UAAP Season 71 Final Four

The final four cast of the UAAP Season 71 Men's Basketball is now complete.

Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles
De La Salle Univesity Green Archers / Far Eastern University Tamaraws
University of the East Warriors

Only the positioning as to who is no. 2 and no. 3 will be determined.

Which team do you think will make it all the way? Read on for my predictions.


Final Possibilities and Prediction:

ADMU vs DLSU

An epic finals match between two archrivals teeming with subplot rivalries. Tiu vs Casio. Coach Pumaren vs Coach Black. Their second round meeting might prove to be a championship preview.

On paper, the Eagles look more solid. Al Hussaini has tremendous improvement. Nonoy Baclao's rebounding and defense is an integral part of ADMU. Guards Tiu, Salamat, Buenafe and Reyes can provide the outside and slashing offense.

Coach Pumaren is the multi-titled coach that probably has seen everything in college basketball. I know he can make the adjustments needed for the Archers to repeat. JV Casio is deadly and battle tested. Rico Maierhoffer if he stay away from fouls can make life difficult for the Eagles.
The only weakness I think DLSU has is a solid pointguard. This might be the baptism of fire for Simon Atkins.

Prediction: DLSU in three games

ADMU vs FEU

As the only team so far to beat the league-leading Eagles, the Tamaraws stood a good chance of claiming season 71's trophy.

Being coached by one of the best defensive players Philippine Basketball has seen, Coach Capacio will definitely rely on defense more. Aldrech Ramos and Reil Cervantes must hold down Al Hussaini and Baclao, controlling the rebounds might prove to be the key in winning the championship. Barroca, Fernandez and Cawaling should play well to counter Tiu, Salamat and Reyes. Adolfo and Baracael need to stop Buenafe.

Prediction: ADMU in two games.

UE - DLSU

Having beaten the defending champs in the first round will suit well for the warriors and give them confidence to avenge last year's finals loss. This matchup I would like to see.

I think both teams are almost identical in their system and evenly matched in manpower. Although, the Warriors lack a go-to-guy in the caliber of JV Casio.

I hope to see a Paul Lee and JV Casio shootout.

Prediction: UE in three games.

FEU - UE

A final's match between these U-belt neighbors is unlikely but still possible. And a game between them is highly entertaining with the first meeting decided only by two points.

Advantage goes to UE, having gone to the finals last year.

Prediction: UE in three games.