Archers, Eagles clash in rematch

MANILA, Philippines — Barring any added class suspensions and extended inclement weather, the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball resumes today starring archrivals La Salle and Ateneo at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Game time is at 6:30 p.m. with the Archers and Eagles writing another page in their fabled rivalry after the duel between University of the East and National U at 2 p.m.

The UAAP on Wednesday cancelled the scheduled games at the same venue between Ateneo and Adamson and UE against University of the Philippines due to Typhoon Kristine, leaving the Eagles at the hands of the Archers instead in a quick turnaround.

Red-hot and reigning champion La Salle, on a six-game run, is already in the Final Four this early at 9-1, while Ateneo, after a winless start, has finally gained ground to join the heated semifinals race at 3-6.

The Eagles last week hacked out a 67-64 win over the UST Tigers at the latter’s turf at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion to tie the Adamson Falcons and the Far Eastern U Tamaraws just outside the Final Four picture, a win away from the fourth-running Tigers, who are on a free fall at 4-6.

And that makes Ateneo a far more dangerous opponent this time, according to La Salle mentor Topex Robinson.

“It will never change, whether where you are now and what’s your standing, you just forget everything because it’s gonna be Ateneo, which is also coming off a good run,” said Robinson after a massive 70-45 win over Adamson last week to book the first semis ticket.