NU vs. UST: 1st UAAP Finals is Bulldogs' Goal in Final Four

NU Bulldogs

UST Growling Tigers

NU vs UST. Who will get the first Finals berth of the UAAP Season 76?

The Season 76 UAAP Finals is a win away for the National University (NU) Bulldogs. NU will try to get the first Finals berth versus the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers on Sunday afternoon, September 22, 2013.

The National University Bulldogs are aiming to make the finals of the UAAP for the first time since 1970 when they take on the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the Final Four Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

NU topped the elimination round with a 10-4 record and earned a twice-to-beat advantage against UST, who placed fourth in the Final Four standings. The Bulldogs were actually tied with Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers. They secured the top spot due to a higher quotient.

The Bulldogs is expected to rely heavily on two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks. NU head coach Eric Altamirano said that his team "have a great shot of going to the Finals, so we just want to stay humble and hungry to make sure that we stay focused."

NU swept UST in the elimination round with two convincing wins, 71-67 and 75-61.

UST head coach Pido Jarencio is confident that previous games will not matter anymore in the Final Four. Jarencio explained that "Kahit papaano, may chance tayo na maka-balik sa Finals. Alam kong medyo mahirap, number one team ang kakalabanin natin, pero pagdating naman ng Final Four, ibang usapan na 'yan. Pare-parehas na tayo d'yan. It's all about the heart, tsaka 'yung desire – kung sino 'yung mas gustong manalo."

Last year, the Growling Tigers denied the UAAP Finals from the Bulldogs. This time around, NU has the advantage of ousting UST and claim its first Finals appearance.

Who will win? NU or UST? Let your voice be heard in the comments section below.