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Top two UAAP men’s basketball squads La Salle and UP figure in their final Season 87 elimination-round clash, expected to be an extremely heated affair between both teams’ passionate fan bases after a controversial first-round battle
MANILA, Philippines – The most must-see rivalry in UAAP men’s basketball just got even hotter.
Not only are defending champion La Salle and title contender UP jockeying for Season 87 top seeding rights, they are now set for their first clash since their highly controversial first-round encounter, where Maroons guard Reyland Torres alleged Archers coach Topex Robinson spat on him mid-game.
Weeks after the issue died in a stalemate UAAP investigation, fans of both squads are somewhat still feeding off tinges of mutual resentment, which is expected to boil over anew on Sunday, November 10, at the Araneta Coliseum.
Although both teams already secured the twice-to-beat semifinal incentives, Sunday’s main event between the Archers and Maroons is a litmus test for both sides’ readiness for a serious title pursuit, as both are coming off rather lackluster stretches by their lofty standards.
UP, in particular, is fresh off a shocking 20-point decimation to once cellar-dweller NU, 67-47, while La Salle recently fended off a gutsy challenge to middling FEU and crawled to a 58-53 comeback win.
Save perhaps from Archers star scrapper Michael Phillips, none of the usual standouts from both teams have any serious momentum on their side, including reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao, former champion JD Cagulangan, high-flyer Francis Lopez, and one-and-done big man Quentin Millora-Brown.
Simply put, Sunday’s final game is a must-watch for fans, and a must-win for both teams.
Tip-off is around 6:30 pm. – Rappler.com
