ADMU vs MIT
- The word for MIT is support. The Cards sometimes rely too much on stars Allan Mangahas and Yousef Taha, but when they win, it's often because they got production from bench guys like Rodel Ranises, Josan Nimes and Jonathan Banal. Given how stacked the Ateneo team is, Mapua's bench will have to match their scoring and intensity.
- The word for ADMU is transition. They only got 6 fastbreak points and 7 turnover points versus DLSU, both tournament-lows. Given how the Cardinals norm 20.5 turnovers and concede on average 18 turnover points, the Blue Eagles should have opportunities.
SBC vs UP
- The word for SBC is size. San Beda is fourth in terms of total rebounds corralled per game, because of guys like Dave Marcelo and Ola Adeogun. Averaging 46.6 boards, 18.4 on the offensive glass, the Red Lions should have the advantage against a UP team that is dead last in terms of rebounding in the tournament.
- The word for UP is perimeter. The Maroons get the bulk of their points from triples by Mike Silungan, Mike Gamboa and Jett Manuel. They're tops in terms of team average from beyond the arc (34.3%) and are second in number of makes per game (7.8). Given how Beda's perimeter defense is a mediocre 10th, letting opponents shoot 28.3%, UP does have a chance.
FEU vs DLSU
- The word for FEU is defense. FEU tops the league in allowed made field goals, letting opponents convert just 23.3 made baskets, while holding them to 37.3%. Factor in an improved zone defense, typically a DLSU kryptonite, and the Tams have a good chance of shutting down the Archers.
- The word for DLSU is rebounding. The Archers are 1-3 when they're outrebounded, 1-3 when the opponents have more offensive rebounds than them. Making things harder for this game is the fact that 6'5" Nobert Torres has been ruled out for 1-2 weeks because of the dislocated elbow he suffered versus Ateneo. That means gang-rebounding will be key against the likes of Aldrech Ramos and Pipo Noundou.
ADU vs SSCR
- The word for ADU is shooting. The Falcons are actually mediocre offensively, hitting just 25.3 field goals a game (12th out of 17), while shooting just 36.6% (13th). Both those numbers are the worst of the eight teams in the quarter-finals. Ideally, they'll get steals (5.4 a game, 7th in the league) and get out in transition (10.6 fastbreak points). The problem? San Sebastian loves to get out in transition even more (16.6 a game).
- The word for SSCR is match-ups. Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang present defensive problems for a lot of teams, but more so against the Falcons. Versus Abeuva, we're not sure as to the status of Roider Cabrera and Janus Lozada, meaning Jericho Cruz will probably get the bulk of the coverage, with Alex Nuyles getting spot minutes so as to not tire him out on offense. Against Sangalang, Austin Manyara, Rodney Brondial, and Eric Camson will have their hands full. If any of those guys get into foul trouble, Adamson will be in big trouble.
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