Coming off a huge win against Ateneo last Sunday, the DLSU Green Archers look to ride on their momentum as they try to extend their winning streak while handing the FEU Tamaraws their first loss of the season.
The last time these two squads met was in last year’s knockout game for the fourth and final slot in the Final Four, where the boys from Taft Avenue bested their counterparts. All eyes were on La Salle big man Norbert Torres as he helped spark the Green Archers in last year’s do-or-die game with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
However, the dynamic backcourt of the Tamaraws formed by Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia won’t make it easy for the Green Archers this time as they look to extend their perfect record for the season. With new head coach Nash Racela, the duo has been clicking for the early part of the season.
Contrasting styles
Both teams play different styles of basketball, which makes their matchup more interesting. DLSU relies on a more systematic style of basketball and banks on their front court to dictate the tempo of the game. The duo of Norbert Torres and Jason Perkins combine for an average of 22.3 points and 20.3 rebounds per game while Arnold van Opstal recently had a breakout game against Ateneo, recording 18 points to go along with eight rebounds. Arguably, the Green Archers currently have the most intimidating front court in the league which they complement with the excellent guard skills of Thomas Torres, the outside shooting of Almond Vosotros, and the intensity of reigning Rookie of the Year Jeron Teng.
FEU, however, has the most dangerous backcourt in the league with former MVP RR Garcia and one of the leagues’ premier guards in Terrence Romeo. The duo combines for 36.6 points per game and also contributes with the intangibles as both players are known for their hustle and air-tight defense. A huge part of their offense is also contributed by fast break points initiated by their dangerous front court bannered by 6’11 Cameroonian center Christian Sentcheu and veteran Anthony Hargrove.
Rivalry
Aside from being two of the top teams in the league today, the Green Archers and Tamaraws have a rich history in college basketball, possibly one of the most underrated in the UAAP. The rivalry was formed as both schools were consistent Final Four and title contenders for many years.
Since the UAAP began the Final Four Format in 1994, DLSU has had 16 Final Four appearances, bagging 5 championships along the way, while their counterparts from Morayta have clinched 14 Final Four appearances and have claimed four championships. Both schools have the most Final Four appearances in the league’s history, with DLSU having the most while FEU is tied along with the ADMU Blue Eagles with the second most appearances.
Like most rivaries, both schools have had their fair share of controversies. In the 1991 season, the DLSU title was handed to FEU when a player who got fouled out during the game was seen on court for six seconds, resulting in a protest. The UAAP board ordered a replay of the match-up, which DLSU did not attend, forcing the officials to hand the trophy to FEU.
New coaches
What would make this matchup more intriguing is the battle between rookie head coaches Juno Sauler and Racela.
The latter is a former assistant coach of Norman Black, the architect of the Blue Eagles’ five-peat reign. Racela introduced a new system to a team that, over the past few years, depended on isolation plays from their star guards Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia.
Meanwhile, Sauler is the newest addition to the list of UAAP head coaches. Only being announced as head coach three weeks prior to the start the UAAP season, Sauler has made tremendous adjustments and improvements with the team.
Both coaches have shown great promise so far, with Racela leading his team to the top of the standings as the only undefeated team remaining at 3-0, and Sauler leading his squad to a 2-1 slate, tied for second best in the league. Expect both coaches to duke in out come Saturday afternoon, with DLSU aiming to force a tie on top of the league.
