UAAP rivalry returns with high stakes
The annual battle between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the La Salle Green Archers delivered another chapter in one of Philippine college basketball’s most storied rivalries. At the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Ateneo managed to withstand a furious late charge from La Salle and clinched an 81-74 win to improve to a pristine 4-0 start in UAAP Season 88.
Blowout in the making, then a tense finish
Ateneo seized early control, building a commanding lead through the first three quarters. The Blue Eagles looked sharp on both ends, taking a 36-19 halftime cushion after a balanced attack that featured strong contributions from multiple players. The trio of Dom Escobar, Josh Lazaro, and Kymani Ladi provided the offensive spark, with Escobar logging 15 points in the first half and Lazaro adding a second-quarter burst that widened the gap.
Key performances that shaped the win
Escobar finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Ladi matched him with 15 points and added 9 boards of his own. Shawn Tuano was a standout off the bench, pouring in 15 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a critical stretch in the fourth quarter that helped stave off La Salle’s late push. Tuano’s production, particularly in the closing period, gave Ateneo enough cushion to weather La Salle’s 22-0 run that briefly reignited the visitors’ hopes.
La Salle’s rally and late drama
La Salle refused to go quietly, mounting a 22-0 sally that trimmed what had been a 33-point deficit into a two-possession game in the final minutes. Mike Phillips led La Salle with 17 points and 20 rebounds, while Kean Baclaan added 13 points and Jacob Cortez 10, providing steady offense as the Archers pushed for a comeback. A late flurry from Mason Amos, in his first UAAP game against his former team, drew some boos from Ateneo fans but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Coaches’ take and what it means going forward
Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin acknowledged the surprising burst from La Salle late in the game, noting that the team must address the fourth-quarter lapse. “We’ll talk about that the way we played in the three quarters is just about as good as an Ateneo team has played for me I think, and that’s a big statement. And then in the fourth quarter, we played about as badly as an Ateneo team has played for me. Fortunately, it was only one quarter,” Baldwin said. The win keeps Ateneo atop the standings, while La Salle, now at 2-2, will regroup as it continues its campaign.
Who stood out under the bright lights
Ateneo’s depth was on full display, with three players scoring in double digits in the first half and a few more contributing in the second half. The team’s balanced attack, coupled with timely defense and free-throw execution at the end, helped secure the win. For La Salle, the performance showed resilience and potential for a late-season push despite the setback.
Looking ahead
With both teams expected to contend in the season, this matchup underscored why the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry remains a marquee draw for UAAP fans. Ateneo will look to maintain its perfect record, while La Salle seeks to steady a season with plenty of basketball still to play.
