Ateneo, La Salle reflect on first UAAP 81 encounter

In a rematch of last season's finals face-off, rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles and De La Salle Green Archers will battle against each other for the first time in UAAP Season 81 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The blue and white team will be back on the hard court after a week-long break with a 4-1 record, and will try to hold on to its solo second spot in the standings.

Asked how they will prepare for La Salle, Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said, "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."

However, Arespachochaga conceded that the game also showcases one of collegiate sports' biggest rivalries. "We cannot pretend that this is just any other game. We've also got to manage our emotions, not too high, not too low, because for sure, our opponents will also come out aggressive,"  he added.

It is an exciting time for Ateneo rookie SJ Belangel as this will be his first  Ateneo-La Salle game in the seniors' league. "It's a dream of mine back then sa Bacolod to play in an Ateneo-La Salle game. I've been watching all the games, [including] Ateneo-La Salle," Belangel explained.

Momentum

Meanwhile, the Green Archers will try to sustain their momentum coming from a big win against UST last Wednesday.

DLSU Rookie head coach Louie Gonzalez said they, too, will treat the game just like any other elimination match, despite Ateneo winning games in big margins. "Going up against Ateneo, especially papasok kami, nakita ko 'yung margins nila during the last three games. I know since the start of the season na they are the team to beat. Sa amin, basta, pareho lang. We'll take it one game at a time," La Salle's new head tactician said.

Playing against Ateneo as head coach is not really new for Gonzalez, as he had experienced calling the shots for La Salle when he filled in for then suspended head coach Aldin Ayo.

"Isipin mo Ateneo, may pressure. Kahit na isipin mo na ibang school 'yun, may pressure pa rin eh. With the way with the standings are right now, you know you need to perform. Pero special 'yun eh, if it's Ateneo-La Salle, so magpe-prepare talaga nang husto 'yung team," Gonzalez added.

DLSU big man Leonard Santillan says his team's system will lead to a win against their rivals. "Exciting 'tong larong 'to, siyempre La Salle-Ateneo. Paghahandaan pa namin 'yung mga gagawin ng Ateneo sa'min. Basta tiwala lang sa isa't isa, at saka kay Coach Louie, saka sa sistema namin. Mananalo rin kami basta tiwala lang."

The Taft-based squad currently has three wins and two losses, and a win in Saturday's game will land them on the second spot with the boys from Katipunan.

The match will start at 4 p.m. Before the marquee matchup, the UST Growling Tigers will face the UE Red Warriors at 12 noon. — DVM, GMA News