FIERCE rivals Ateneo and La Salle gauge each other’s strengths ahead of more important matches as they collide today in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup before an expected sellout crowd.
The reigning champion Blue Eagles and Archers take the Filoil Flying V Arena floor at 6 p.m. with Ateneo looking to continue its recent success against La Salle.
Impressive in their first few games in the pre-season, rookies Jeron Teng and Mark Tallo get to experience the rivalry for the first time in their collegiate careers.
Tallo, though, is no stranger to the Eagles having trained with them before transferring to La Salle.
It will be the Eagles’ first game since returning from their annual training in the United States, which has been a key component to their preparations for the season.
With a 6-1 record, Ateneo, whose lone loss in the tournament was dealt by San Beda, has already sealed a quarterfinal berth.
But the game is crucial for the Archers, who could formalize their entry to the quarterfinals with a victory.
The Archers are currently locked in a three-team tie for the last two quarterfinal berths with Letran and UST, which will also be taking on separate rivals today.
The Knights collide with the unbeaten San Beda Red Lions in the 1 p.m. game, just after the Tigers clash against the already-eliminated University of the Philippines Maroons.