TITLE favorite De La Salle may have sent a strong statement with a season-opening win over Far Eastern U last Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean the Green Archers are not without chinks in their armor.
And with expectations rising, rookie coach Aldin Ayo hopes the Archers come out sharper as they clash with a dangerous University of the Philippines today in the 79th UAAP basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“There will be a lot of pressure, especially playing against UP,” said Ayo. “I think they (Archers) lost to UP in their second game last year so the pressure is there and we just have to embrace that.”
University of the Santo Tomas and University of the East seek breakthrough victories in the first game at 2 p.m.
The Warriors couldn’t sustain a strong start in the second half against the National U Bulldogs, who handed them a 66-72 loss last Wednesday.
The Tigers bowed to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 69-73, in their season opener last Sunday despite getting 21 points from Louie Vigil.
“We have to be better in the next game,” said Vigil, after the Tigers allowed the Eagles to pull away in the final period.
The Archers exploded for 51 points in the first half against the Tamaraws, but sputtered in the second half only for star forward Jeron Teng and top rookie Ben Mbala to bail them out down the stretch. La Salle prevailed despite committing 27 turnovers.
Teng had 27 points, while Mbala grabbed 23 rebounds and recorded four blocks in an awe-inspiring defensive performance in his much-awaited UAAP debut.
“We are expecting close games,” said Ayo. “It’s not going to be easy. Teams will adjust.”