A day before what promises to be one of the most consequential matchups between archrivals Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University in recent memory, Ateneans and Lasallians found common ground for a cause far bigger than basketball.
Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ (Ateneo) and Br. Bernard Oca, FSC (La Salle), called on fans to wear white as a symbol of unity against corruption in the Philippines during the teams’ second-round clash tomorrow, November 26, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“Lasallians and Ateneans are united in our unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and service to the Filipino nation,” the two presidents said in a joint statement.
The statement emphasized that this “act of unity” seeks to transcend the schools’ long-standing rivalry, bringing together the community in a shared call to faith, national pride, and the mission to educate and uplift society.
The initiative echoes the UAAP’s earlier call during the Season 88 Cheerdance Competition, which encouraged fans to wear white in support of the league’s campaign: “Passion for Victory, Passion for Integrity! No to Corruption!”
“We encourage everyone attending the game to wear white as a peaceful expression of solidarity for transparency and accountability in public service,” the statement read.
“May this act of unity remind all of us that beyond the intensity of rivalry, we are bound by our faith, our love for the country, and our collective mission to teach minds, touch hearts, and transform lives.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On the court, the stakes are equally high.
Tomorrow’s clash will play a key role in determining the last ticket to the Final Four.
Top-ranked National University, second-seeded University of the Philippines, and third-seeded University of Santo Tomas have already secured their spots. That leaves Ateneo, La Salle, and Far Eastern University to fight for the final postseason berth.
La Salle controls its destiny: a win over Ateneo guarantees the Green Archers a place in the Final Four, regardless of FEU’s result against the Growling Tigers at 1:30 PM.
The Tamaraws, however, are facing a tougher path. FEU would need a victory over UST coupled with an Ateneo loss to force a playoff for the No. 4 seed.
An even more dramatic scenario looms if both FEU and Ateneo win their respective matches: a three-way tie at 7-7 would occur, forcing a step-ladder play-in format to determine the final slot.
Teams ranked fifth and sixth would first clash in a knockout match for the right to challenge the No. 4 seed, as determined by quotient.
