Civil War begins in UAAP

MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP has its own version of a Civil War and it’s the Green instead of the Gray confronting the Blue in probably the fiercest, longest-running rivalry in Philippine basketball history. Since the start of the Final Four era in 1993-94, Ateneo and La Salle have faced off in four championship playoffs with each team winning twice. But their conflict dates back to the 1930s when they battled for supremacy in the NCAA.

This season, it’s back to the battlefield for the Green Archers and the Blue Eagles as they break their standoff in head-to-head Finals matchups. Game 1 of the best-of-three title series is set at the MOA Arena this afternoon with the defending champion Archers up against top-seed Ateneo. Both teams have lost only twice from the double round eliminations up to the semifinals. Ateneo and La Salle finished 1-2 in the eliminations so they’re clearly at the top of their class.

In the eliminations, the Eagles and Archers split their meetings. Ateneo beat La Salle, 76-75, on Matt Nieto’s free throws off a steal from the Archers’ inbound and Ben Mbala was foiled in a last-second attempt to regain the lead in the first game. La Salle avenged the defeat by beating the Eagles, 79-76, with the Archers dodging a bullet when Isaac Go missed a close range hook down the stretch in the second contest.

Ateneo thrives on efficiency in a structured offense and is tough defensively in the halfcourt. The Eagles are No. 1 in defense, giving up 73.7 points a game, and No. 1 in assists, rebounds, starter points and second chance points allowed. Coach Tab Baldwin has installed a system where discipline and teamwork are the cornerstones. There are no stars in Baldwin’s approach because the only hero in his book is the team. Thirdy Ravena may be the Eagles’ leading scorer (14.4) but the Nieto twins, Chiz Ikeh, Anton Asistio, Vince Tolentino, Isaac Go, Raffy Verano, Jolo Mendoza, Gian Mamuyac, Aaron Black and Tyler Tio are just as valuable in Baldwin’s scheme of things.

In contrast, La Salle is a mayhem machine that likes to disrupt, wreak havoc and attack the rim. The Archers are No. 1 in offense, averaging 92.2 points, and No. 1 in field goal percentage, two-point percentage, points in the paint and second chance points. Coach Aldin Ayo demands absolute commitment from the Archers because in his vision, everyone must leave it all on the floor. Aggressiveness is the Archers’ trademark on both ends. Mbala’s versatility to play multiple positions is a key to Ayo’s drive for a second straight pennant. But Mbala isn’t the only magic in the potion. Whether La Salle plays big or small, Ayo has pieces to create mismatches. Ricci Rivero, Santi Santillan, Abu Tratter, Andrei Caracut, Kib Montalbo, Aljun Melecio, Prince Rivero, Justin Baltazar and Jolo Go are well-schooled in the business of mayhem. Ironically, the way for La Salle to beat Ateneo is defense, not offense and that’s the challenge Ayo faces in his battle of wits with Baldwin.