UAAP: Green Archers take on Bulldogs in a clash of champions

A day after the UAAP opens its gates once again, fans will be in for a treat as a blockbuster between two of the past basketball champions will play in the opening game. The DLSU Green Archers, winners of the 2013 edition of the tourney, will take on the defending champions, the National University Bulldogs, this Sunday, September 6, in the Mall of Asia Arena at 12 pm.

The Green Archers entered Season 77 as the defending champions, but their season campaign ended in disappointment. Despite ending the elimination round tied for second place with the FEU Tamaraws, they would lose the play-off for the twice-to-beat advantage. While they won the first semifinal game in a rout, they would get their hearts broken in the following match when FEU’s Mac Belo hit a wide open three-pointer at the buzzer, winning the game for the Tamaraws and extinguishing DLSU’s attempt at a repeat.

NU, meanwhile, had a Cinderella run last season. Playing as the fourth seed, they overcame the Ateneo Blue Eagles in two games, then followed it up with a thrilling  three-game series against the FEU Tamaraws. They would take home their first championship in 60 years, the longest drought in UAAP history. Cameroonian center Alfred Aroga was also named Finals MVP for his stellar performance in the finale.

Both teams suffered key losses during the off-season, with both teams feeling the brunt of it on the frontcourt. La Salle lost more than half their players from last season due to varying reasons with veterans Almond Vosotros, Norbert Torres, and Yutien Andrada having exhausted their playing years. Robert Bolick, Terrence Mustre, and Matt Salem transferred schools, while Kib Montalbo suffered a knee injury in the FilOil tournament. Meanwhile, Arnold van Opstal opted not to play during his final year in school so that he can recover from a lingering injury.

On the Bulldogs’ side, star big men Troy Rosario and Glenn Khobuntin have already played out their eligibility. The two players had big roles during their championship run, leaving the Sampaloc-based squad’s front court a little thin with their departure for the pros.

The match will pit a veteran and battle-tested team in the Bulldogs against a talented but young Green Archer unit. DLSU will be parading nine rookies in their roster, led by sharp shooting point guard Andrei Caracut. They will be supported by veterans Jeron Teng, Thomas Torres, Jason Perkins, and Julian Sargent.

Aroga and playmaker Gelo Alolino will spearhead the NU attack in the impending clash along with Nico Javelona and JJ Alejandro.

The game will feature contrasting styles of play due to the difference in composition for both squads. The Bulldogs will look to drop the ball to Aroga for some easy baskets in the paint while the Green Archers will rely highly on their talented perimeter players for some quick drives and jump shots.

Look forward to an exciting match between the two teams as they try to make a statement to open this year’s UAAP. With everyone starting on a clean slate, school pride will be the main drive for both teams to win in this Sunday’s slugfest.