DEALT with contrasting fates in the new season, a new chapter in the storied rivalry of reigning champion Ateneo and La Salle unfolds.
“When I was growing up, I used to watch that rivalry, and now I’m just excited for it. Sabi ko nga, it came in so early, but whether we like it or not, we’re going to face each other,” Green Archers coach Topex Robinson said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of hype and many stories behind the game, but at the end of the day, Ateneo remains a worthy rival. That will never change.
“Coach Tab Baldwin is also a worthy rival. We’ll always compete against each other, and it’s just an opportunity for me to get better learning from coach Tab and Ateneo,” he added.
While Robinson is savoring La Salle’s 87-76 victory over Far Eastern University last Sunday, Blue Eagles counterpart Tab Baldwin was left pondering what went wrong in their 64-77 loss to National University four days back.
“I think the words that mean so much to Ateneans, ‘One Big Fight,’ the word ‘fight,’ was left out last Saturday, and that’s inexcusable,” Baldwin said. “We should be– and we are– very disappointed in our performance.”
Which team will get the last laugh will be known when the Archers tangle with the Eagles today in the 86th UAAP basketball tournament before an expected SRO crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The match is set at 6 p.m. after Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas seek a maiden win at 4 o’clock.
The Bulldogs battle the Tamaraws at 2 p.m. while University of the Philippines and host University of the East go for a 2-0 start when they collide in the curtain-raiser of the four-game slate at 10 a.m.
La Salle will pin its hopes on Evan Nelle, Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, and Michael Phillips.
“One thing’s for sure, it’s gonna be an exciting game that we’re gonna play and I’m just excited to be part of it,” Robinson said.
