Much of the spotlight for the UAAP finals has been focused on the Teng brothers, Jeric and Jeron, and despite the interesting story lines that sibling rivalry especially in sports can bring out, a look at the bigger picture shows that the rivalry between UST and DLSU has its own roots as well.
UST dominated the UAAP as champions from 1993 to 1996, incidentally the beginning of the Final Four era, while the Green Archers had their own streak of dominance from 1998 to 2001. During these years, both schools crossed paths in the finals four times with UST winning three spanning from 1994 to 1996 on their way to their 4-peat, and DLSU winning in 1999 en route to their own 4-peat.
Tale of the Tape
Statistically, the Green Archers and the Growling Tigers are virtually identical this season, but DLSU comes out with an edge in most aspects.
The Green Archers score an average of 77.3 points per game while the Growling Tigers score almost 71 per game. One of the most intimidating teams in the post, DLSU hauls in an average of 51 rebounds per game against the 47 of UST. DLSU also averages 14.6 assists per game in contrast to the 12.9 of the Growling Tigers.
Despite the similarities in the stats, both teams play different styles. The Green Archers bank on the daunting front court of Arnold van Opstal, Norbert Torres, and Mythical Five member Jason Perkins to dictate the tempo of the game. Their dominating presence also leaves DLSU’s deadly perimeter players open, namely Almond Vosotros, Jeron Teng, and LA Revilla who are capable of making three pointers or tough drives to the basket.
UST on the other hand is more reliant on their guards Jeric Teng, Kevin Ferrer, and Tata Bautista, who are responsible for a large chunk of their offense. Karim Abdul and Aljon Mariano take care of things in the front court, with both big men coming up with big games against the Green Archers in the past.
Even their coaches are complete opposites. Coach Juno Sauler, who was part of the 1994 DLSU team that lost to UST, is known as a calm tactician who rarely reacts to the calls and is straightforward during press conferences. UST’s coach Pido Jarencio however is the fiery and emotional mentor who brings out the best in his players through his speeches and emotions.
Keys to winning
DLSU may have the height and deeper bench, but UST has experience on their side. Having been last season’s UAAP runner-up, UST is hoping to erase the ghosts of Season 75 and prevent themselves from coming up empty in two straight trips to the finals. The Growling Tigers hope to give the graduating Teng and Bautista a proper send off with a championship. One interesting matchup would be between the pesky Kevin Ferrer and Jeron Teng, with the former giving NU Bulldog Bobby Ray Parks nightmares on offense in their semifinal matchup.
Only Revilla has finals experience for the Green Archers, as the veteran was a member of the runner-up squad in 2008. Starting inside then out would be key for DLSU as their imposing front court will keep both Abdul and Mariano busy. Vosotros, whose recent slump has been compensated with the offensive reemergence of Revilla, is due for a breakout game and will be aided by the ability of the big men to draw the attention of UST’s defense.
History shows that the last three UAAP champions are ADMU, DLSU, and UST. With the Blue Eagles out of the picture, one of these two teams will rewrite history and add another chapter to the rivalry that could spell the beginning of a new dynasty for the victor. Both teams have put in the necessary work to win the championship, but only one can emerge victorious. The battle begins for both teams at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, October 2, at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
