ARCHRIVALS ATENEO, LA SALLE CLASH ANEW IN UAAP

HOOPS fans of Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University will be in for a treat as the archrivals collide anew in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines ( UAAP) men’s basketball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Blue Eagles (4-1), enjoying a four-game winning streak will meet the Green Archers at 4 p.m.

Last season, Ateneo dethroned the Ben Mbala- led La Salle in a final that went down the wire highlighted by a dagger three- pointer from Isaac Go.

Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga is prepping up Thirdy Ravena, Ivorian center Angelo Kouame, Matt Nieto for an intense match.

“The important thing coming into the game is we've got to be ready, we've got to prepare well just like any other game. But at the same time, we can’t pretend that it’s just like any other game. We have to manage our emotions—not too high or not too low—because I’m sure our opponents will come out aggressively,” he said.

Arespacochaga said their 85-53 rout of University of Santo Tomas (UST) last week was a fitting preparation for their reunion with their rivals.

“It’s actually very good for us that toward the end of the game, things became aggressive and physical. We actually like to play in a physical way. I don’t know if La Salle will play us physically, but I’m sure it will be highly physical and emotional.”

On the other hand, the No. 3 Archers ( 3- 2) are aiming to sustain their winning ways after their resounding 99- 72 bounce- back victory over their former coach Aldin Ayo and the Growling Tigers last Wednesday.

Chief mentor Louie Gonzalez, who will make his debut as a head coach, is bracing for a tough battle.

“Since the start of the tournament, I know they really are the team to beat. For us, it’s the same, we’ll take it one game at a time,” said Gonzalez, who will rely on veterans Aljun Melecio, Justine Baltazar, Andrei Caracut and Santi Santillan.

“With the way the standings are right now, you know you need to perform. But of course this La Salle- Ateneo ( game) is special. We’ll prepare hard for this,” he added.

Meanwhile, bottom teams University of the East (1-4) and UST (1-4) will dispute the solo sixth spot in the 12 noon curtain raiser.

The Red Warriors seek to sustain the momentum from their 90- 65 win over Far Eastern University while the Growling Tigers try to snap a three- game losing skid.