Archers shoot for title
Today, La Salle goes for the kill against arch rival Ateneo in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball championship at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Uncertainty, however, permeates the air. Will the Green Archers and rookie coach Aldin Ayo nail down their first title in three years or will Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin force Game 3?
After taking the opener last Saturday, 67-65, coach Ayo refused to predict a sweep.
“We’re just going to do our best in Game 2,” said Ayo who, last year, steered the Letran Knights to the NCAA title.
Ayo will seek the championship behind veteran Jeron Teng, who keyed La Salle’s victory in Game 1, and Cameroonian Ben Mbala, who will become the first foreigner in 35 years to be named UAAP MVP in the awards rites scheduled at
2 p.m.
After the hard-earned Game 1 victory, Teng urged his teammates to play better today.
“We seemed nervous. It’s important we do better next game so our supporters won’t get nervous too,” said Teng during the post-game interview.
Mbala, on the other hand, vowed to do his best and minimize his errors by making some adjustments.
The Cameroonian had five errors on top of his 20 points and 15 rebounds in Game 1.
“I had five turnovers and I think that was due to their double-teaming in the post. I will make adjustments, kick out the ball when they double- or triple-team me,” said Mbala.
For the Blue Eagles to force the series and a winner-take-all Game 3, they must use the same formula they did when they dealt the Green Archers their lone setback in the elimination round—start strong and finish strong.
Eagles star Thirdy Ravena is positive they can bounce back.
“We’ve been doing it the entire season and not everyone really expected us to reach this far,” said Ravena.
Despite the Blue Eagles’ slow start, they managed to almost steal Game 1 from La Salle. From a 2-17 deficit, Ateneo came back and tasted its first lead, 65-64, after Matt Nieto sank a bank shot.
Teng countered with a layup to put the Green Archers back on top for good.
Even Aaron Black, who led Ateneo with 12 points in the opener of the series, promised they will come back stronger.
In case Ateneo wins today, Game 3 will be held at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Saturday.
