Archers point arrows on Tigers

Five-peat seeking De La Salle shoots for a fourth straight victory and the solo lead as it clashes with 90s rival University of Santo Tomas today in the 65th UAAP basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Fresh from a narrow 76-72 win over the National University Bulldogs last Sunday, the Green Archers shoot for another triumph versus the dangerous Tigers at 3:30 p.m. seeking to edge out the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the helm.

With Larry Fonacier delivering the goods in overtime, Ateneo edged Far Eastern, 73-68, Thursday to jump into a share of the lead with La Salle with immaculate 3-0 slates.

Against the Tigers, who smothered the University of the Philippines Maroons, 92-75, for their second win in three matches, the Archers have a big edge in terms of experience and talent after retaining the core of the team that won the school its four-peat last season.

Veterans Mike Cortez, Mark Cardona, Carlo Sharma, Willy Wilson and Adonis Sta. Maria have been at their usual best while sophomore Joseph Yeo has been stepping up big in place of Ren Ren Ritualo, who jumped into the pro-ranks this year.

Despite these advantages, La Salle coach Franz Pumaren has high respect for UST, which also won four straight titles in 1993 to 1996 with the last three at the expense of the Archers.

"UST has been giving La Salle a headache ever since and I think they will continue to do so especially now that they have a lot of weapons, both from the inside and outside," said Pumaren.

What it lacked in the shaded area, UST’s wingmen – Cyrus Baguio, Nino Gelig, Frederick Hubalde and Christian Luanzon have been making up with speed and accurate outside shooting, a reason for Del Rosario to hope for an upset win.

"Sobrang lakas ng La Salle pero sa larong basketball may tinatawag na tsambahan kaya hindi sila nakakasigurado sa amin," said Del Rosario.

Meanwhile, University of the East aims for a fitting follow-up to its 84-79 triumph over Adamson last week as it faces host National University at 1:30 p.m. The Red Warriors have a 1-2 slate while the Bulldogs are winless in three games.