MANILA, Philippines – Second-running Adamson University (AdU) wants to finish the first round with a bang when the Falcons battle dangerous University of the Philippines (UP) today in UAAP Season 74 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"That’s really our goal, to finish No. 2 after the first round," said Adamson coach Leo Austria, whose crew takes the court at 1 p.m.

La Salle (3-3) and University of Santo Tomas (3-3) dispute fourth spot at 3 p.m.

Adamson has a virtual lock on the No. 2 position regardless of what happens against the Maroons. This is because of the Falcons’ previous victories over the teams that could forge a three-way tie for second to fourth spots, Far Eastern U (4-3) and either La Salle or UST.

Still, Austria prefers a triumph rather than an ambush.

"UP is very dangerous because they have nothing to lose," he said. "They have a big man who can pick up points in the paint in (Alinko) Mbah, a good, tall point guard in (Jelo) Montecastro who’s playing well, and (Mike) Silungan and (Jett) Manuel who are very consistent. They are also playing as a unit."

Austria admitted to not liking to be on the receiving end of UP’s upset axe.

"I don’t want to be beaten by a team at the bottom. I was there before so I know how much they want to upset the teams in the Top 4, how they double their intensity," he said.

UST coach Pido Jarencio Cartier replica watches, meanwhile, said the Tigers will go all out for a win against the Green Archers.

"We’ll go for broke so we’ll be over 50% (win-loss) going to the second round. Being 4-3 is really our purpose so we’ll have a shot at a Final Four by picking up wins," he said.

Jarencio said he likes UST’s chances for a Last 4 this season.

"Ateneo and Adamson are pretty solid but the other contenders, FEU and La Salle Tag heuer replica watches, are within reach," he said.