Archers test Tams in clash of top bets

Titlist Far Eastern U and consensus favorite La Salle clash today in an explosive UAAP LXXIX men’s basketball matchup between two sides that apparently have an “unfinished business” to settle.

Last month, the Tams and the Green Archers engaged in a highly physical tune-up game that had to be stopped with a full quarter to go and the 4 p.m. showdown at the MOA Arena could serve as the moment of reckoning.

DLSU coach Aldin Ayo, who marks his UAAP debut, was quick to say which team he looks forward to playing the most during the league’s launch.

“FEU kasi hindi natapos yung tuneup namin (because we didn’t finish our tune-up match),” said Ayo, the former Letran champion coach tasked to bring DLSU back to the top after missing the Final Four last season.

The feeling was mutual for the Tams.

“We’re excited to play every team but more so DLSU, para matapos yung game (so we can settle the game),” Racela said.

Racela, just like six of his peers, tagged La Salle as the team to beat with its intact veteran core led by Jeron Teng and fancied additions led by import Ben Mbala. Ayo tipped the Tams as a top contender even if they lost key members of their title run like Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy.

“They’re the defending champions. For me, they’re the No. 1 contenders. They have the players, the materials, the coaching staff. And you can’t take away the confidence and the camaraderie that come out after winning,” said Ayo.

Racela, who maintained he has a different crew at his disposal than the triumphant cast last year, admitted they have their work cut out for them.

“We need to play our A- game for us to have a chance against them because you know how strong they are,” Racela said.

Serving as an interesting curtain raiser is the faceoff between National U and University of the East, two squads considered as dark horses at 2 p.m.

“I really consider UE as one of the Final Four teams this season so it’s going to be a challenge for us to play them,” said Bulldogs mentor Eric Altamirano. “We’ve played them a couple of preseason games and even international pocket tournament and I could see they’re really ready to contend.”

The Warriors are on their third season under Derrick Pumaren, seeking to finally make the semis after falling short in the first two.