Eagles stake lead vs streaking Archers today

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

11 a.m. – FEU vs NU

4 p.m. – ADMU v DLSU

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo stakes its lead against defending champion La Salle as the rivals kick off their second round campaign against each other today in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tourney before an expected full house at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles, who had their best first round in the post-five-peat era, shoot for their seventh win in eight outings in the highly charged 4 p.m. duel with the Green Archers, who are riding the crest of a five-game streak after a 0-2 start.

Second-running Far Eastern (5-2) and No. 3 National U (5-2) engage at 11 a.m.

The Ateneans prevailed in Round 1, 97-86, but the La Sallians regained their bearings and have not tasted defeat since that July 20 encounter.

“Whenever it’s Ateneo versus La Salle, one has just to put everything related to the game – win-loss slates, winning streaks, statistics – aside,” said Eagles coach Bo Perasol.

“Their size advantage against us is pretty obvious but we just have to learn to play through it,” he added.