UAAP ’64: Aric vs Danny

Remember Aric del Rosario, he with the fatherly image but no-nonsense style of coaching? Or Danny Gavieres who is known for his ability to squeeze the best out of his players?

UST’s Del Rosario, who steered the Tigers to a four-peat during the 1993-1996 wars, and FEU’s Gavieres, now known as the father-in-law of PBA’s Arwind Santos, starred in the 1964 UAAP title series.

‘‘Sportswriters dubbed the series as the most exhilarating UAAP conquest in the post war,” said historian Jose Maria Escoda, author of “Basketball History.”

Escoda said UST won Game 1, 60-55, but FEU forced the decider with a 69-58 win. Ceferino dela Paz scored the marginal points as UST frustrated FEU in the winner-take-all match, 71-68.

The Tamaraws, powered by Danilo Manalastas, Bai Cristobal and sensational 6-foot-4 American import Anthony Williams, got back at the Tigers in the 1979 Finals.

FEU was also the inaugural UAAP champion in 1938.