MANILA – Defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles and second running Far Eastern University Tamaraws collide in what could be a preview of the 72nd UAAP men’s basketball finals on Saturday.

The battle will take place at 4 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum with the top spot at stake.

The Blue Eagles (12-1) and the Tamaraws (11-2) plan to end the elimination round on a high note and more importantly, keep their momentum going into the Final Four.

Ateneo simply needs to maintain its no. 1 ranking and duplicate its 13-1 elimination finish last season.

Owing to the Eagles’ 63-59 first round victory, FEU must need to win by five or more points to snatch the top position.

“Our goal now is obviously the top spot. At this point of the season, it’s all about winning. And we need the no.1 ranking to get closer to our main goal, which is to win back-to-back championship,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

A top placing by Ateneo by the start of the Final Four forges them a semifinal date with the fourth ranked UST Growling Tigers (6-8), whom they swept this season. This will also relegate the Tamaraws to a dangerous match-up with third ranked UE Red Warriors (10-4).

FEU coach Glenn Capacio feels this match is an acid test for his team.

“We’ll go for the top spot. Tinalo nila (Eagles) kami sa first round, kailangan naming bumawi para ma-boost ang morale ng mga bata going to the playoffs,” Capacio said.

Highlighting the much awaited rematch is the duel of the league’s top big men, who are also prime contenders for the MVP award.

Reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who ended up eight in the statistical race in the first round, has vaulted back into contention following a strong showing in the second round surge of the Eagles.

FEU’s Aldrech Ramos, who was second to UST’s Dylan Ababou in the first round, has also been playing inspired ball including a season-high 20-rebound effort in their last game.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the Adamson Falcons will close out their season campaign at 2 p.m.

Aside from the pride at stake, the Maroons (3-10) are looking to improve from their three-win total last season while the Falcons (4-9) aim to finish this season just one rung lower outside the Final Four.