Archers in must-win to survive, Eagles have revenge in their eyes

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

11 a.m. – NU vs UP

4 p.m. – DLSU vs AdMU

MANILA, Philippines - College basketball’s storied rivalry explodes for the second time in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tourney as Final Four-bound Ateneo and semis-chasing La Salle mix it up in a crucial duel today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles (8-4) look to leave the distraction of last week’s controversy involving import Chibueze Ikeh behind as they seek to get back at first-round tormentor DLSU (5-6) and also boost their shot at a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.

On the other hand, the fourth-running Green Archers aim to post the first of three victories they needed to secure their place in the Last-4.

The rivals go at it at 4 p.m. following the 11 a.m. encounter between two squads trying to catch the last bus to the F4 –  embattled champion National U (5-7) and University of the Philippines (3-8).

“I’m positive and I feel we’re strong enough to hurdle this adversity (concerning Ikeh),” said AdMU coach Bo Perasol, expecting the team to make the same business-like response they did when another player, suspended forward John Apacible, got embroiled in a drunken outburst last month.

Though free of off-court worries, the Archers are dealing with on-court problems – their tendency to let their guard down, especially in the fourth quarter.

“Defense talaga. We just have to find a way to play better individual and team defense,” said DLSU mentor Juno Sauler, whose wards blew double-digit spreads in losses to Adamson and NU.

Sauler remained confident his squad could get the job done in the homestretch of the semis race.

“We just have to take care of our business and control what we can control,” he said.

The Archers got the better of the Eagles in the first round, wiping out a 15-point deficit in scoring an 80-76 win last Oct. 4.

Although AdMU is riding the crest of a four-game streak and DLSU is reeling from a two-game slide, Perasol refused to believe the Eagles enjoy the edge in Round 2.

“When you say Ateneo-La Salle, no one really has the edge; it will be a hard-fought match,” said Perasol.