FINAL FOUR PREVIEW

And it's Official!

The UAAP Final Four is now set. Expect a war on Thursday. Who will win the Championship? Will it be 4peat for the Eagles? How about the emergence of the Falcons? The return of the Tamaraws? Or the Tigers will roar a suprise?

ATENEO (13-1) versus UST (8-6)

*Ateneo with twice to beat advantage

First Face-off:

ADMU 66 - UST 53

Second Face-off:

ADMU 82 - UST 57

Match ups

• POINT GUARD: Emman Monfort (ADMU) vs Jeric Fortuna (UST)

The clash of the two court generals. Obviously, Jeric has the advantage in this match up, BUT if Monfort's pesky defense irritate Jeric in this series, then the Tigers will have a hard time to score an upset. 

Barber Speak Choice: Jeric Fortuna

• SHOOTING GUARD: Kiefer Ravena (ADMU) vs Jeric Teng (UST) 

Two of my favorite guards in the league. Who will in this match up? The Strength and experience of the former Xavier star, or the Agility and Basketball smarts of the Phenom? Two opposite basketball style, but one thing in common, their respective teams needs their talent to be able to compete. 

Barber Speak Choice: Kiefer Ravena

• SMALL FORWARD: Kirk Long (ADMU) vs Kevin Ferrer (UST)

Yes, Kevin Ferrer has the advantage when it comes to talent, but there's no way Kirk Long will let this rookie tiger have an easy game/series. Ateneo's Captain has all the experience he needs to play with Kevin's mind.

Barber Speak Choice: Kirk Long

• POWER FORWARD: Nico Salva (ADMU) vs Chris Camus (UST)

There's only one thing I can say in this match up, this will be easy for Camus. Speed-wise and Strength-wise Chris has the advantage. The only advantage Nico has is his jump shooting.

Barber Speak Choice: Chris Camus

• CENTER: Greg Slaughter(ADMU) vs Karim Abdul(UST)

Greg Slaughter is too tall and strong for Karim. But this former Smart Gilas player downside is his maturity. I really want to see how he reacts if Karim plays physical on him. If Greg can't hold the Physicality, then Ateneo will have a problem.

Barber Speak Choice: Greg Slaughter

* The Eagles definitely has the advantage in the bench. 

I expect a good game between this two teams on Thursday. The Tigers will give Ateneo a run for their money, but in the end the Katipunan - based school will be too much for UST.  And therefore, Ateneo will win on Thursday.

ADAMSON (10-4) versus FEU (9-5)

*Adamson with twice to beat advantage

First Face-off:

ADU 78- FEU 59

Second Face-off:

ADU 61 - FEU 62

Match ups

• POINT GUARD: Lester Alvarez (ADU) vs Terrence Romeo (FEU)

I really hope a Lester-RR match up. But knowing FEU's line up, FEU's kamikazee guard Romeo will definitely manning the point in this series. It will be a fast pace game for this two guards but the experience of Lester will be the turning point  

Barber Speak Choice: Lester Alvarez

• SHOOTING GUARD: Alex Nuyles (ADU) vs RR Garcia (FEU) 

This will be a mismatch for the Reigning MVP, Nuyles' built is so much for RR. To be able to win in the match up, RR needs Nuyles to work double time. He needs to use his quickness and his scoring instinct. 

Barber Speak Choice: Alex Nuyles

*I have a gut feeling, that because of Nuyles advantage in the match up, Coach Flores will make an adjustment that will give RR more time at the point. 

• SMALL FORWARD: Janus Lozada (ADU) vs Jr Cawaling (FEU)(Can be coach decision)

This match up will depends on how Jr can return from his injury. Talent-wise Jr has the advantage, but if his not 100 %, the other tamaraws must step up.

Barber Speak Choice: Neutral

• POWER FORWARD:  Jan Colina (ADU) vs Anton Bringas (FEU)

Colina is not the same player as what he was last year. His confidence in his shot is not there. To be able to beat FEU, the inside presence of Colina is important. Colina has the advantage in this match up, that's why Anton's intense nature is needed if he wants to give Colina a good match up. 

Barber Speak Choice: Jan Colina

• CENTER: Austin Manyara (ADU) vs Aldrech Ramos (UST)

Ramos is that guy you rely every game, his the modern day Arwind Santos, you're not expecting him to be the star of the team. But I'm sure that everyone will not be surprised if this former Gilas grabs 20 rebounds on Thursday's game. Adamson's Import is not that talented, that's why he needs to be Physical just to deny Aldrech grab the reboounds.

Barber Speak Choice: Aldrech Ramos

* Both team's bench has good players. 

This series is a dream of every basketball fan, and I tell you, (No disrespect for the Eagles) the winner of this series deserves to be the champion of this year's UAAP season. I will not be surprise if Flagrant Fouls and Technical Fouls will be called in this match up. This two teams are just too good to be eliminated. But still, I expect Adamson's momentum will be the factor that will bring them to the finals this time. BUT IF, FEU will win on thursday, then their experience together with Adamson's pressure will give them the ticket to the finals. 

" Philip Zuñiga is a graduate of Philippine Normal University. He is a certified sports fan since 1996. "