Archers duel Eagles sans Ayo, Teng

MANILA, Philippines - Pacesetting La Salle suffered twin blows on the eve of its much-awaited clash with rival Ateneo as its appeal to lift the suspension of coach Aldin Ayo was junked and veteran Jeron Teng was ruled out of blue-green tussle due to injury.

Ayo was tossed out of the game in the first half of DLSU’s 84-69 win over University of the East last Wednesday for trying to put on a pair of glasses on referee Eric Viray in protest of a non-call. Ayo’s ejection netted automatic suspension and DLSU had asked for reconsideration ahead of today’s showdown with Ateneo at the MOA Arena.

Commissioner Rebo Saguisag made a review and subsequently affirmed the sanction on Ayo yesterday.

“DLSU received notice of the denial of appeal from the UAAP Commissioner,” DLSU representative to the UAAP board Edwin Reyes said.

Teng, the Green Archers’ skipper, joined Ayo in the list of absentees from the DLSU side (6-0) in the 4 p.m. matchup with the Eagles (4-2). The fifth year forward is sidelined with bone spurs and would need one week to recuperate.

“Minor setback for a major comeback,” Teng posted on Twitter Friday night.

The Archers bank on their established system to continue their winning ways sans Ayo and Teng.

“This team is built around each and everyone, ang lakas namin ay lakas ng bawat isa,” said DLSU assistant Louie Gonzales.

Ben Mbala, Kib Montalvo and Thomas Torres are expected to lead the Archers against the younger Ateneans.

“We know we’re the underdogs and they’re the favored team but we’re raring to play and we’re gonna fight,” said Ateneo assistant Sandy Arespacochaga.

“We lost to them twice (in the preseason) but you know in every Ateneo-La Salle game, there’s no guarantee the weaker team will come out losing,” he added.

Sibling rivalry explodes in the 12 noon opening game as Franz Pumaren of Adamson (3-2) faces brother Derrick of University of the East (0-6).