RR Garcia of Far Eastern University is still the leading candidate for the UAAP Most Valuable Player award.
Though the Final Four cast has long been decided, the protagonists are most likely still trying to figure out the best strategy for winning the trophy with one remaining game left for each before the semifinals begin.
FEU and Ateneo have secured the twice-to-beat advantage, but the result of their encounter on Saturday may depend on the outcome of the La Salle, Adamson game for third place set on Thursday.
Depending on how they assess their chances against the third placer or the fourth placer, the Tamaraws and the Eagles, might simply let the other team win for the chance of playing a team they perceive to be weaker in the semifinals.
Based on current standings, FEU appears to have the edge against Ateneo when they play in the second game of the doubleheader at the Araneta Coliseum.
A win by FEU means it plays the fourth placer, which could be the loser of the game between La Salle and Adamson, while Ateneo takes on the winner.
FEU may have little choice, having been beaten by both La Salle and Adamson. But the Tams may have a stronger chance at beating La Salle whose line-up is filled with rookies.
FEU, at 11-2, gets the outright top spot with a victory although it can still top the standings if Ateneo (10-3) wins by less than four points.
As far as La Salle and Adamson are concerned, their semifinal opponent is out of their control.
But for La Salle and Ateneo die hards, they would rather see their teams clash in the finals than in the semis. Which is still possible assuming that Ateneo tops the standings and La Salle places third. Or, Ateneo places second overall and La Salle lands fourth.
And then both teams win their semifinal assignments.
That, indeed, would be a dream match up.
But all three teams must not overlook the threat from the Falcons.
The team has already become the surprise of the league after getting into the Final Four only for the second time since the format was instituted in 1994.
-Jonas Terrado, MB
