Eagles, Archers in early season collision

MANILA, Philippines — From contrasting debut results, archrivals Ateneo and La Salle tangle in an early matchup to headline an explosive quadruple-header in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The new chapter of the storied Blue-Green rivalry erupts at 6 p.m. with reigning champion Ateneo eyeing a quick rebound opposite an on-target La Salle crew coming off a rousing debut under Topex Robinson.

The Blue Eagles kicked off their title defense with a 77-64 defeat at the hands of the National U Bulldogs as the Green Archers poured it on the Far Eastern U Tamaraws, 87-76.

Apart from a litmus test for La Salle, the rivalry game will serve as a baptism of fire for Robinson with only a game in his pocket as a first-time UAAP mentor as he faces Ateneo’s Tab Baldwin, the author of the Eagles’ four titles in the last five seasons.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of hype and a lot of stories behind the game. At the end of the day, Ateneo’s a worthy rival. That will never change. Coach Tab Baldwin is a worthy rival. We’ll always compete against each other and it’s just an opportunity for me to get better learning from coach Tab and Ateneo,” said Robinson.

As deflating as the debut loss was for the young Blue Eagles, Baldwin expects a stronger showing from his wards against their adversaries from Taft.

“Hopefully our players exhibit a little bit more pride and I think they will,” said the seasoned tactician as Ateneo entered a new era without long-time anchor Ange Kouame.

“I don’t like to use the word wake-up call because we aren’t asleep. We just played badly. Irrespective of adjustments and NU created scenarios that we needed to continue to adjust and we didn’t adjust enough. Credit to Jeff (Napa) and credit to NU team. That’s a veteran team.”