UAAP: DLSU-ADMU’s Rivalry Game, headlines league resumption

WITH the UAAP Season 87 back in action, the streaking De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers face a tough challenge against the resurgent Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles in another Rivalry Game at 6:30 PM today. 

The league postponed the ‘Battle of the Birds’ between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Adamson Soaring Falcons, as well as the match between the UP Fighting Maroons and the UE Red Warriors, on Wednesday due to severe tropical storm Kristine.

Today, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the archrival institutions will rekindle their rivalry, as both teams have been on a hot streak to begin the second round of the season. 

With a lot on the line, not to mention the pride of both school communities, Ateneo will try to extend their two-game winning run, while La Salle will look to extend their own, which currently stand at six games.

Same rivalry, different story

In their opening round game, the Green Archers were forced to go wire-to-wire against the Blue Eagles, but they were able to turn the game around in the third quarter and win 74–61. 

DLSU may be at the top of the rankings, but ADMU is only half a game (3-6) behind the UST Growling Tigers (4-6) in the quest for the final Final Four slot, which gives them even more desire to win this game.

“Because we had such a tough start, it allows us, I guess, to be a little bit more laser focused on how these guys are growing and developing as players,” said Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin.

“And we all know that the philosophy of the Blue Eagle program is that process yields results. It’s really consistent with what we’ve always taught.”

“It’s just that there’s more pressure on the process externally because people want results. But we will maintain, you know, our same, I guess, integrity to the purpose that we always try to maintain,” he added.

Now that the Blue Eagles are picking up the pace, the Green Archers’ championship experience and tough mindset will be tested before they go on their Final Four run.

A TAFT mindset

La Salle has an impressive 9-1 record and is now attempting to gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. Following a weeklong break, the Topex Robinson-led team’s approach remains unchanged.

“It will never change, you know. Whether where you are now right now, you standing, you just forget everything because it’s gonna be Ateneo. We know that they are coming off a good run,” said Green Archers’ head coach.

“Their guys are really picking up the system, the staff are doing there, with coach Tab’s. So there’s always gonna be excitement. You play one of the best programs and there is so much history in this.”

“We are so grateful to be a part of it. We keep on reminding our players that we watched those rivalries when we were growing up and dream of being part of that rivalry and being a part of this historic match-up,” he added.

Fortunately for La Salle, the reigning UAAP Season 86 Most Valuable Player, Kevin Quiambao, has been wreaking havoc across the league with averages of 17.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. 

More than the storyline or the school pride at stake between the two teams, a defeat from either will shake the standings, emphasizing the importance of this already crucial rivalry game. 

Meanwhile, NU and UE will face off at 2:00PM today. Tomorrow, Sunday, UP will meet AdU at 3:30PM, while FEU will attempt to defeat UST at 6:30PM.