MANILA. Philippines- While Ateneo has the edge in personnel and experience, La Salle remains a formidable opponent, making tomorrow’s showdown in the Filoil Flying V Tanduay First Five Pre-Season Invitational Cup at The Arena in San Juan a match to watch.
“We have a slight advantage because we have a mix of veterans and up and comers and we’ll try to use that edge against their youthful squad,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “But it’s La Salle so I expect a very intense and competitive game.
Dindo Pumaren, who is coaching La Salle for the first time this season, is equally excited about the upcoming game between the country’s foremost collegiate rivals.
“We are the underdog coming into our game against Ateneo because our team is basically composed of rookies and sophomores and they are the defending UAAP champions,” said Pumaren. “They have the advantage no doubt but we will fight. I just hope the boys will play their usual game. We just plan on keeping the game close throughout to give us a chance at endgame.”
The La Salle-Ateneo tiff is expected to draw the biggest crowd of students, alumni and supporters.
According to league chairman Joey Guillermo, tickets for tomorrow’s games, which also pit last year’s finalists Far Eastern University and University of the East, are selling briskly.
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“Tickets for this Saturday’s games are selling very briskly. We expect to receive more demands as of today and tomorrow when the gates open,” said Guillermo.