Eagles vs Archers: Emotional, physical

Games today (MOA Arena)

12 noon – UST vs UE

4 p.m. – AdMU vs DLSU

MANILA, Philippines — Forget about the supposed disparity in firepower and experience for it’s Ateneo versus La Salle taking centerstage in today’s UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball, a storied rivalry, where every single participant, whether veteran or greenhorn, goes the extra mile to help his side reduce the opposing camp to pieces. 

“It will be fun, exciting and there’s going be lot of energy from both teams,” said AdMU assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga, whose wards (4-1) gun for their fifth straight win in the 4 p.m. duel at MOA Arena.

“If you’re a La Salle player and you’re going up against Ateneo, alam mo na kung ano ang dapat mong gawin, hindi na namin kailangang i-motivate pa ang players, they know that it’s one of their responsibilities,” said coach Louie Gonzalez of DLSU (3-2).

The Blue Eagles have annihilated their last three foes by an average winning margin of 28.33 and for Gonzalez it’s important that his charges won’t be intimidated by their in-form rivals.

“Since the start of the tournament, they’re really the team to beat. Sa amin naman, same approach, we’re taking it one game at a time. Isipin mo ang Ateneo, may pressure, isipin mo ibang schools, may pressure pa rin; especially with the standings right now, you need to perform,” said Gonzalez.

Whatever they say about treating this as a regular game, there’s no denying that AdMU-DLSU showdowns ain’t ordinary.

“We can’t just pretend it’s like any other game so we’ve also got to manage our emotions; not too high, not too low because for sure our opponents will also come out aggressive,” said Arespacochaga. “ I don’t know if La Salle will play us physical, but for sure it’s going to be a highly emotional game so we’ve got to prepare for that also.”

“Syempre, special. If it’s La Salle and Ateneo, magpe-prepare talaga nang husto ang team,” said Gonzalez, who actually had experienced coaching against Ateneo in 2016 when he pinch-hit for DLSU’s suspended coach back then, Aldin Ayo, and steered the Archers to a 97-81 rout.