Photo by Mario T. Dagdag

WHENEVER A rivalry matchup takes place, heart outshines individual skill.

This is precisely the case every time the Ateneo Blue Eagles take on the De La Salle Green Archers, considered the most storied rivalry in Philippine sports. After 40 minutes of classic Ateneo vs. La Salle competition, the Blue and White emerged triumphant, 71-61, in the rival schools’ first matchup of the UAAP season last July 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Taft-based contingent had previously succumbed to a two-point loss to the FEU Tamaraws, while the Blue Eagles triumphed in a morale-boosting win over the NU Bulldogs.

La Salle drew first blood and controlled the tempo in the opening possession, but the first quarter belonged to Norman Black’s men. Kiefer Ravena led the charge, spearheading a four-point push that put the Blue Eagles up by 10, at 17-7, with less than a minute remaining.

Ravena scored eight of his 16 points in the first quarter, matching La Salle’s eight-point first quarter effort. Meanwhile, the Green Archers had not converted a field goal since Brian Manguera’s three-pointer at the 7:25 mark. Free throws by both squads furthered the score as the quarter concluded at 20-8.

Ateneo managed to sustain a double-digit lead well into the second quarter, until LA Revilla’s strong drives and free throws fueled a 10-2 run. The deficit was trimmed to 28-21 with 4:03 remaining after Revilla converted a three-point play.

Just when La Salle was inching closer, several calls caused the momentum to shift back to Ateneo. This included three straight personal fouls on Arnold van Opstal, which resulted in free throws that Ateneo made the most of. Greg Slaughter then converted a wild last-minute tip in to end the first half at 35-26 for the Blue and White.

The Blue Eagles have been known for burying their opponents in the third quarter, but their archrivals refused to let up. The Green and White continuously pressed until rookie sensation Jeron Teng finally tied the game with a pull-up three at 42 all, with 4:00 to go.

Slaughter then restored the Ateneo advantage, but former De La Salle Zobel standout Luigi dela Paz orchestrated a three-point play that put the Green Archers on top, 45-44, with 2:56 left in the third quarter. It was La Salle’s first lead since the opening minutes. Ravena, however, exploded for four straight points to end the third quarter at 53-50.

La Salle carried over the pressure well into the fourth until Slaughter checked back in the game. Early in the game, Slaughter was stifled by the double-team defense of Yutien Andrada and Norbert Torres, which took away his vision and rhythm. The seven-footer maintained composure and bounced back with aggressive drives to the hoop. Thanks to his efforts, Ateneo rebuilt a comfortable seven-point advantage, 64-57, with 2:41 remaining.

Despite this, Gee Abanilla and his boys fought on. Manguera hit another three-pointer to close the lead 64-60 with 2:24 to go. This proved to be La Salle’s final push.

Free throws won the game for Ateneo late in the quarter. Nico Salva put the game to rest with a layup off a steal with 16 seconds left. Ravena then got hold of Revilla’s missed shot and dribbled it out until time expired.

It was a bad day in the fouls department for the Green Archers, who committed 28 in comparison to Ateneo’s 17. The Blue Eagles shot 73.5% from the free throw line in 34 tries while La Salle shot 75% in 20 attempts.

Although the Blue Eagles failed to convert from the three-point line, they had a better percentage from the field, making 41.1% while the Green Archers shot 34%.

The Green Archers also committed more turnovers compared to their archrivals, giving the ball away 17 times—seven more than their opponents.

The Blue Eagles’ three leading scorers last season once again provided solid numbers, with Slaughter tallying 20 points, and both Salva and Ravena contributing 16 of their own.

Slaughter, Ravena and Tonino Gonzaga also led the team in rebounds, hauling in seven apiece.

On the La Salle end, Revilla had a notable outing with 16 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Teng also did his part, scoring 13 points and grabbing eight boards.

“When you play La Salle, there are no guarantees as to how you’re going to play,” said Head Coach Norman Black after the game. “Expect every game to be close whenever we play them.” He went on to say that it did not matter which team had more talent, because both teams battle it out until the very end, as was exhibited in the match.

This win improves Ateneo’s record to three wins and one loss, which is second to FEU’s 3-0 record. UST is at third with two wins and one loss while La Salle now has two wins and two losses.

Ateneo faces the University of the Philippines next on Thursday, August 2, 2:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Box scores:

Ateneo: 71 – Slaughter 20, Salva 16, Ravena 16, Chua 6, Tiongson 4, Elorde 3, Buenafe 3, Pessumal 2, Erram 1

La Salle: 61 – Revilla 16, Teng 13, N. Torres 11, dela Paz 7, Manguera 6, van Opstal 2, Andrada 2, Webb 2, Mendoza 1, Tampus 1