Eaglets, Jr Archers start best-of-three

MANILA, Philippines - Archrivals Ateneo and La Salle hope to finally get the opportunity to slug it out after a weeklong delay brought about by Tropical Storm “Ondoy,” both itching to gain the early advantage in their dream best-of-three title showdown for the 72nd UAAP high school basketball crown at The Arena in San Juan.

And though there’s another one coming and the weather experts predict it’s going to be stronger than “Ondoy”, expect the Eaglets and the Jr. Archers, the country’s most bitter of rivalries, to go for the jugular the moment they step on the court at 4 p.m.

“It’s very sad what happened to our countrymen. We continue to pray and help rebuild the lives of our countrymen. Tomorrow (Saturday) we will give our best especially on defense,” said Ateneo coach Jamike Jarin, who is also one of Norman Black’s lieutenants at the senior team.

“I hope this time that the game will push through in spite of news of another storm coming. I think the players on both teams have waited too long,” said La Salle mentor Boris Aldeguer, back in the fold from one-year absence after he steered the school to the 2005 and 2007 titles.

“Playing Ateneo will be tough knowing that they have a lot of talented players, deep bench and a good coach to go with it. As long as my team stays hungry, focused and plays hard, the chance of winning will always be there,” he added.

The third-seeded Eaglets, the reigning champions, had to go through the backdoor as they beat the No. 2 Tiger Cubs twice in the Final Four, 72-66, last week and, 73-68, a few days ago to complete one of the league’s stunning reversals.

The Junior Archers, who topped the elimination round with a 12-2 (win-loss) record, had an easier time as they pummelled the Far Eastern U Baby Tams, 86-69, to clinch the first championship berth.

Meanwhile, FEU guns for its sixth title while Adamson its fifth when the two clash in the best-of-three women’s championship at 2 p.m.