MANILA, Philippines—Just over a month ago, La Salle stunned fierce rival Ateneo in a summer league.
But coaches of both squads hardly see that as a gauge when the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers clash for the first time in Season 75 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Saturday
Tied at second, the Eagles and the Archers gun for a third triumph in the expected blockbuster battle at 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We beat Ateneo without Greg Slaughter and it’s a preseason game,” said new La Salle coach Gee Abanilla. “They’re a very strong team with Greg and some of the veterans. They have the system of coach Norman (Black) for a very long time, that spells the difference between a good and a great team.”
University of Santo Tomas and National University collide in the first game at 11 a.m. with both teams coming off big wins.
Tickets for the two senior games are sold separately.
Although Black admits that his Eagles weren’t in top shape yet in that summer overtime loss, 62-59, he knows what the Archers are capable of with their improved core led by Norbert Torres and LA Revilla.
“La Salle is much improved,” said Black. “They got a good recruiting period in the last couple of years. It’s starting to pay dividends for them.”
The winner of the sold-out showdown will stay behind unbeaten Far Eastern University, the lone leader at 3-0.
A victory by NU in the other game will also give the Bulldogs a share of second.
In their stunning meltdown against the Tigers last week, a fouled out Slaughter added to the Eagles’ woes.
“We’re trying to keep our players fresh and we already talked to Greg how to stay out of foul trouble,” said Black.
The Eagles have recovered from that 71-70 upset UST loss with Slaughter, Nico Salva and Kiefer Ravena starring in their 89-65 drubbing of the Bulldogs.
Similarly, the Bulldogs rebounded strong by crushing the University of the Philippines, 67-50, last Thursday.
“We have to be ready for UST,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “They had a good game against Ateneo. They have lots of veterans and also lots of confidence since they beat the No. 1 team. We have to be ready.”