Challenge accepted: Archers-Eagles semifinals preview

The beginning of a possible end starts on Saturday, September 29, 4 pm at the Araneta Coliseum.

After a year of drought, the De La Salle Green Archers managed to prove doubters wrong as the team has reclaimed its seat as a UAAP Men’s Basketball Championship contender. The team won against two-time bridesmaid, FEU Tamaraws, in a conclusive come-from-behind knockout win to secure the last spot in the Final Four roster.

The semifinals seat, however, comes with a daunting task as the Green Archers needs to battle its archrival and four-time titleholder, Ateneo De Manila Blue Eagles that has a twice-to-beat advantage, which came from the team’s position as number one in the Final Four.

Eliminations: Not on the Archers’ side

The two elimination round games ended in favor of the Katipunan-based squad as the Green-and-White squad trailed by 10 points in both encounters.

Both games revealed the Green Archers’ inability to maintain poise and composure against the more experienced Ateneo crew. The Archers had chances to grab momentum in the two games, but did not take advantage of them.

The first round match ended with 61-71 on the scoreboard while the second round duel was at 67-77 in favor of Ateneo.

The rebuilding Taft-based crew was exposed to its flaws such as the team’s very slow start and catch up tendencies towards the end.

Moreover, the squad’s big men were could not go head-to-head against the bigs of Ateneo.

Despite new faces in the lineup, the ability of the players to step up in times of crisis was evident. Almond Vosotros, rookie Thomas Torres and Oda Tampus had their moments despite these defeats.

No time to celebrate

The September 26 game date between FEU and DLSU will be remembered as one of the historical comebacks the Archers played in a season.

The Archers took a step closer to the goal this season, but the crew will need to compose themselves and play once again with a sense of urgency to beat the dominating team in the competition, standings-wise.

Expect the Archers to encounter some trouble from some of Ateneo’s key players like Nico Salva, Ryan Buenafe and Greg Slaughter who are looking for a championship in their last year.

Jovet Mendoza and Joshua Webb from La Salle might also be playing their final semifinal match on Saturday.

The Archers, however, has been gearing up for battle. The 14-game elimination, plus the knockout game, improved La Salle’s team chemistry and composure. Both of which marginally improved per game.

Defense is the best offense
La Salle will be playing against the number one offensive team in the league, Ateneo. The Blue Eagles probably has the best starting unit led by Ravena, Salva, and Slaughter. The team also has a second line composed of Ryan Buenafe, Tonino Gonzaga, and Justin Chua. All three could also deliver baskets.

Slaughter, two-time UAAP Mythical Five member, has played big time in this season particularly in the paint. His 7-foot built has tempted many to double team him, which has allowed many of his teammates to stay open.

The Archers would have to build a cage large enough to hold this basketball wholly mammoth.

The Archers, as witnessed in the past, has a tendency to have scoring droughts. Poor execution and lack of offensive awareness could also distort the offensive rhythm of La Salle. A key to a successful upset against this Ateneo squad is to play them with the best defense throughout the ballgame.

Time to beat Ateneo
Historically, game analysis and statistics do not matter in Ateneo-La Salle games.

If DLSU loses, the Archers would settle for a fourth place finish, but if the team managed to adjust and learn from its two losses against the Katipunan-based team, DLSU may wind up in the finals.

The last time DLSU won against Ateneo in the UAAP was way back in 2010 when the Archers mounted a fourth quarter comeback capped by back-to-back triples by Sam Marata.