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La Salle puts its six-game winning streak on the line, while a revitalized Ateneo shoots for a third straight victory as they renew their rivalry in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament
MANILA, Philippines – Only one winning streak will stay alive.
In a showdown between the two hottest teams in the league, La Salle puts its six-game winning run on the line, while a revitalized Ateneo shoots for a third straight victory as they renew their rivalry in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, October 26.
The defending champion Green Archers are coming off a 70-45 mauling of the Adamson Soaring Falcons to become the first team to secure a Final Four spot, while the Blue Eagles are on the heels of a 67-64 escape over the UST Growling Tigers for their first back-to-back wins this season.
Unlike their opening-round encounter last September 15, where La Salle dominated Ateneo in the second half en route to a 71-64 blowout, expect a closer battle between the two longtime rivals as the top-ranked Green Archers (9-1) look to boost their bid for a twice-to-beat Final Four advantage, while the Blue Eagles (3-6) aim to tie UST at the fourth spot.
Look for the Green Archers to take advantage of their size and bank on their star big men Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips anew versus the much-smaller Blue Eagles.
The reigning UAAP MVP Quiambao and the 6-foot-8 Phillips posted twin 13-point double-doubles in their 13-point rout of Ateneo in the first round.
Meanwhile, expect another balanced scoring output from the Blue Eagles as they take on the Green Archers in full force with their captain Chris Koon on deck this time around.
Ateneo missed the services of Koon in its first-round duel against La Salle due to an ankle injury he suffered in the season opener.
Will the Green Archers reassert their mastery or will the Blue Eagles pull off a stunner?
Game time is 6:30 pm. – Rappler.com
