After breezing past UST by 43 points last Sunday, the Green Archers are in for a tough grind tomorrow against the UE Red Warriors.
Though both teams are on the opposite ends of the team standings, their first round encounter had the makings of a playoff grudge match. La Salle won 84-78 but the game was not clearly decided until the final minute.
That game will be best remembered for the physicality, heated exchanges, and of course, the ejection of Coach Aldin Ayo in the closing minutes of the first half for protesting an obvious non-call. Without their head coach and with Jeron Teng playing hurt, the Archers struggled to get their offense going. Fortunately for them, they made the timely baskets and got the right stops towards the end to thwart UE’s comeback bid.
Tomorrow, the Green Archers will be playing a desperate UE team who despite having a 2-8 record, still has a mathematical chance at the Final 4. Expect them to really put it all on the line tomorrow in a last ditch effort to save what has been a forgettable season.
And just like all games between these two teams this year, expect it to be quite intense. No denying on the Green Archers’ talent depth but they need to maintain their poise throughout the match to execute effectively. They should not succumb to the rough-housing that some of the UE players are expected to deliver.
Play with poise and play with confidence. Not expecting an easy game but what’s important aside from getting the win is that none of our players get injured and none of our coaches get ejected.