Will Ateneo complete its elusive quest towards an elimination round sweep and an outright Finals berth? Or will Adamson succeed in spoiling it?

The three-time defending champion Blue Eagles shoot for their fourth consecutive finals appearance when they gun for a 14-0 record against the determined Falcons today in the 74th UAAP basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

After winning their 13 previous games, the Loyola-based squad are determined to complete the sweet sweep at 3 p.m.

Clashing in the opener at 1 p.m. are also-ran teams University of the Philippines and University of the East with the winner avoiding an embarrassing last place finish.

Ateneo has been playing sharp basketball since the start of the season with top MVP contender Greg Slaughter, rookie Kiefer Ravena, Eman Monfort, Nico Salva and Kirk Long leading the way.

While there’s significant pressure Ateneo to deliver, coach Norman Black believes his team is ready for the challenge.

“It’s a feat worth striving for trying to win the game against Adamson. But if you’re asking me if there’s any pressure, it’s pretty much the same,” said Black, whose team barely beat Adamson University, 55-51, in the season opener on July 10.

Ateneo is not only looking to keep its unbeaten slate but also extend its mastery over Adamson.

The Eagles have beaten the Falcons for 29 consecutive games. Adamson last won on Sept. 18, 1997.

The Falcons, toting a 9-4 record, are looking forward for this big showdown as they try to recover their lost grounds emanating from a sorry 74-58 loss to University of Santo Tomas a week ago.

source: Jonas Terrado -MB