Early clash between Archers, Eagles

MANILA, Philippines — It’s an early collision between arch-rivals Ateneo and La Salle as they cross paths in just the third playdate of the  82nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tip-off is at 4 p.m. with the Blue Eagles out to notch their second win in a row at the expense of the Green Archers, who are eyeing redemption this year after missing the Final Four in Season 81.

With an intact core bannered by Ivorian slotman Angelo Kouame together with Gilas Pilipinas cadets Thirdy Ravena and Isaac Go, host Ateneo is favored in this duel between the rival schools.

But with the way they nearly squandered a huge 22-point spread against Adamson in the opener before recovering in time to take a 70-52 win, the Blue Eagles could be in for a tough outing against a rebuilding yet dangerous Green Archers, according to head coach Tab Baldwin. 

“Our defense can learn from that. That is where we’re going to improve against La Salle. We have to get better,” said Baldwin as his wards allowed the Falcons to unload a blistering 26-9 salvo that nearly wiped out their 48-26 lead. 

“Mike Nieto said he wanted us to be the greatest team ever in the UAAP and we can’t be the greatest team if we don’t play great basketball,” the veteran international mentor added. 

For La Salle, which went through an overhaul in the offseason following the departure of former mentor Louie Gonzales, a new beginning is to be ushered by new head coach Gian Nazario with ex G-League tactician Jermaine Byrd working closely as an active consultant.

Holdovers Andrei Caracut, Encho Serrano and Aljun Melecio and Justin Baltazar together with former US NCAA players Keyshawn Evans and Jamie Orme are tasked to lead the way for the Green Archers who are seeking a better performance this year in a bid to return to the Final Four after settling for just fifth place last season with an 8-6 card.