THERE’S nothing like a packed arena with an electric crowd and a hard-fought game — especially when it’s centered around something timeless: a classic college basketball rivalry.
On Sunday, UAAP fans will witness one of the league’s most anticipated showdowns in Season 88, as the undefeated Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles face the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.
However, this year’s rivalry game between the two renowned universities is taking a different turn. One has finished rebuilding and is dominating the league, while the other is off to a slower start than usual.
Still, both universities are packed with star power, each assembling a team as formidable and talented as anyone could hope for. With that in mind, only one question remains: which school is truly chasing rivalry glory?
Defend the Nest
This season, Ateneo has emerged as one of the league’s biggest revelations. Along with the National University (NU) Bulldogs, the Blue Eagles currently hold a 3-0 win-loss record — their best start since UAAP Season 84.
Still, longtime head coach Tab Baldwin remains cautious with expectations for his team, despite the strong presence of standout recruit Kymani Ladi, who’s putting up 19.33 PPG and 8.0 RPG in three games.
“I know it looks like Ateneo 3-0, but I don’t believe any of us will be 7-0. The league has a lot of surprises to offer this year. We’ve already seen surprises based on pre-season expectations,” Baldwin said.
“It would be foolish to start drawing conclusions now. When we reach the halfway point of the season, maybe the mist will be clearing a bit.”
“I’m certainly not thinking this is a giveaway year, and I’m sure UP and La Salle aren’t either. We just have to keep playing, fight for every opportunity, and be ready when it matters,” he went on to say.
Sharpening Arrows
Meanwhile, the Green Archers are still trying to find their identity after starting a new era without two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao. In three games, La Salle grabbed two close wins but fell to the UST Growling Tigers.
However, it’s not too hard to see that the new captain of the ship is the son of former La Salle legend Mike Cortez — Jacob Cortez — who’s leading the team with averages of 15.67 PPG, 3.33 APG, and 3.33 RPG.
“Well, the nice thing about winning close games is that you know you can close the game. But of course, it’s always better to win convincingly,” Caloy Garcia said, after securing their second two-point victory.
“But as the season goes on, every team’s going to get better. Hopefully, we will also get better,” the La Salle assistant coach went on to say.
While it’s been a rocky start for the Taft-based squad, they’re still not a team to take lightly. With Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos supporting graduating Mike Phillips, La Salle remains as formidable as ever.
With a new Cortez leading La Salle in this year’s rivalry game, and Ateneo now back in full form after a season of rebuilding, fans are in for an intense dogfight this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
