In a new chapter of the storied La Salle-Ateneo rivalry, the Green Archers dominated the Blue Eagles with a decisive 74-61 victory, preserving their perfect 3-0 record in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
This latest clash was not just a showcase of the legendary rivalry between these two UAAP powerhouses, though.
It also also featured the intriguing presence of former Blue Eagle Mason Amos, who is currently serving a one-year residency at DLSU-Manila.
Amos, a 6-foot-7 super scorer, made headlines with his surprising transfer to La Salle last July.
His move complicated Ateneo’s offseason preparations, which were already challenged by the departures of key players such as Kai Ballungay, Jared Brown, Geo Chiu, Gab Gomez, Jason Credo, and Raffy Celis.
For Amos, the rivalry remained as intense as ever.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It was a basic rivalry, it’s the same. As always, intense,” the Fil-Aussie forward remarked to Tiebreaker Times.
He noted that the game was as fiercely contested as expected, with both sides fiercely engaging in the back-and-forth battle.
As a viewer, the 20-year-old Fil-Aussie assessed that the Blue Eagles are currently in a rebuilding phase while the Green Archers are resilient.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I would say that this year was a little bit more of understanding Tab’s and Ateneo’s system, and for my team, they just played with their hearts out and La Salle was able to get the W.”
Despite the tension from his recent transfer, Amos acknowledged the efforts of both teams.
Ateneo staged a late 15-7 run to cut La Salle’s lead to just four points, 44-40, by halftime. However, the Green Archers responded with a powerful 15-4 surge in the third quarter, extinguishing the Blue Eagles’ momentum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I think they both played well. I know that La Salle played a better game because they won the game, but at the end of the day, there’s a lot of improvement for both teams and I wish both teams the best,” Amos added.
Looking ahead, Amos suggested that both squads need to focus on improving team chemistry and reducing turnovers as they continue their pursuit of success in the UAAP.
Currently, Amos is sidelined due to a one-year residency requirement, which delays his debut with the Green Archers.
“I think it’s just the cohesion because there’s a lot of turnovers on both sides, I think both teams need to work on that,” he concluded.
Mason Amos shares his thoughts on the La Salle-Ateneo game now that he’s on the green side
#UAAPSeason87
Ernest Tuazon/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/tcgcSOwafU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 15, 2024
