Archers, Blue Eagles collide anew in UAAP men's hoops

Games Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

11 a.m. – UE vs UP

1 p.m. – UST vs AdU

3 p.m. – NU vs FEU

6:30 p.m. – ADMU vs DLSU

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo and La Salle cross paths once again in a pivotal clash while leaders University of the Philippines and National University attempt to hold fort on top against separate foes in a packed UAAP Season 85 card Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles (5-3) and the Green Archers (3-5) open another page in their storied rivalry at 6:30 p.m. to banner the four-game bill as teams scramble for playoff spots from a crowded middle pack of the team standings.

UP, comfortably sitting at No. 1 spot with an 8-1 card, takes on University of the East (4-5) at 11 a.m. followed by the battle of Adamson (3-5) and struggling Santo Tomas (1-7) at 1 p.m.

Second-running NU (6-3), at 3 p.m., then tests the mettle of the red-hot Far Eastern U (4-5) that just revived its Final Four drive with four straight wins after a listless 0-5 start.

Ateneo is currently at third but UE, FEU, La Salle and Adamson are all just lurking behind in the thick of the race, making the Blue Eagles-Green Archers duel a vital one with huge implications in playoff positioning.

La Salle drew first blood against Ateneo with an 83-78 win and is hoping to duplicate it, especially reeling on a three-game skid that pushed it out of the Final Four picture so far.

That congested field below featuring multiple squads fighting for dear lives is what UP and NU are trying to dodge to continue enjoying the view from the summit with only five games to go in the eliminations.

“This season has showcased the capability of all squads. Lahat ng teams, hindi mo puwedeng pabayaan so as we prepare hard for every game, ganun pa rin preparations namin against UE. Our vision is towards that (championship) goal,” said mentor Goldwin Monteverde as UP scraped past UE in the first round, 84-77.

Jeff Napa echoes the same sentiment as his wards have no plans of letting their guards down anytime soon, especially after a morale-boosting 78-74 win over Ateneo for the first time in six years.

“Hindi puwedeng kung ano ‘yung pinakita namin against Ateneo, ‘yun na ‘yun. We need to come out strong against FEU kasi tinalo kami ‘nun. In order to keep up with the pace, we have to work harder and challenge ourselves, day in and day out,” he said, eyeing revenge after NU’s 47-44 loss in the first round.