The UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament resumes on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. The first round is about to come to a finish, and all eight teams are expected to give it their best.

To be aware of:

Acid Test

Coach Jeff Napa often emphasizes the persistent approach from his Bulldogs as the reason why National University (4-1) has raced to the top of the standings.

La Salle (3-2), with its formidable frontcourt of Michael Phillips and Kevin Quiambao, is the best indicator of that, since they are causing a lot of problems for the Jhocson team.

In their 11:00  a.m. match, NU’s performance against La Salle should provide a good indication of whether the team is truly a contender or just a pretender after parting with UP and Ateneo. Game

Surprise

Nobody anticipated University of the East (3-2) to be in this situation, but Luis Villegas and the Paranada brothers’ efforts have changed the game for the Red Warriors.

At 4:30 p.m., the Recto team will test its mettle against the reigning champion University of the Philippines (4-1) in an opportunity to prove its sincerity.

After defeating Finals foe Ateneo last Sunday, Carl Tamayo, JD Cagulangan, and the rest of the Fighting Maroons are eager to continue their winning ways.

Jerome on locked

Before the season had started, coach Tab Baldwin mentioned Jerom Lastimosa as a possible MVP contender.

The fourth-year guard will be watched closely when Adamson (2-3) takes on Ateneo (3-2) at 1:00 p.m.

The Blue Eagles are also looking to rebound with a victory, thus Forthsky Padrigao and Dave Ildefonso will be charged with stopping Lastimosa.

Leave the Cellar

At 6:30 p.m., Far Eastern University (0-5), which is off to its poorest start in Final Four history, has a fantastic opportunity to get its first victory.

Senegalese center Adama Faye will miss the game due to a one-game ban for University of Santo Tomas (1-4), which is in a four-game losing streak.

If L-Jay Gonzales and company fail to take advantage of this chance for the Tamaraws, Nic Cabanero will be ready to seize the initiative for the Growling Tigers.