La Salle, SBC renew rivalry in charity tiff

MANILA, Philippines - UAAP champion La Salle and NCAA four-peat titlist San Beda renew their rivalry for a cause as they play in a charity match on Saturday to raise funds for Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

Dubbed the “Champions for A Cause,” the match is set at 12 noon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao with the Archers to be bannered by Almond Vosotros, Jeron Teng, Norbert Torres, Jason Perkins, and Arnold Van Opstal and San Beda to be led by Art dela Cruz, Baser Amer, Rome de la Rosa, Kyle Pascual, and Ola Adeogun.

“It isn’t just about basketball but also calling attention to the victims of Yolanda,” said Green Archers head coach Juno Sauler. “As you have heard people say it often in the last few weeks, basketball is part of the healing process.”

“Even if it’s a charity game, expect both schools to go all out. At stake here are bragging rights about which team is better. Also what league is better,” said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez. “So you can say that we will play San Beda basketball while they (La Salle) will play their A-game.”

“It will be a good game,” said match commissioner Rey Gamboa. “Not only do you get to see great basketball but you get to help.”

A side event to the game is a three-point shootout that pits Vosotros, Teng, and former Green Archer Renren Ritualo on one side while Borgie Hermida, Baser Amer, and Boyet Fernandez will comprise the other team. Each trio will be given 25 attempts to make the most number of baskets. For every shot made by their respective teams, the alumni of each side will donate P5,000 per basket.

Tickets are now available at Ticketnet and the athletic departments of both La Salle and San Beda. Prices are pegged at P1,000 (Patron), P500 (Lower Box), P300 (Upper A), P150 (Upper B) and P20 (General Admission).