The Big Dome and The Green Archers

There's no place like the Araneta Coliseum for big collegiate games such as the UAAP. The Big Dome is obviously not enough for fans to watch basketball games expecially the rivalry between De La Salle Green Archers and Ateneo.

I was so fortunate that time enabled me to follow the Season 71 of the UAAP and all the games of DLSU Green Archers. Though it didn’t turn out the way the Lasallian Community expected, the Green Archers gave a good show and over achieved given the limitation. I was able to watch the 1st round DLSU-NU, 2nd round DLSU-Ateneo, FInal Four, and Finals Series.

Though Ateneo thought they would have dominance of the collegiate leagues this year, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. Just today, the De La Salle Green Archers beat Ateneo (71-62) in the finals of the Philippine Collegiate Championship League which is considered as the mother of all leagues because it goes beyond UAAP and NCAA. Off course I also watched it live even if friends were not available to join me. The champion of this tournament will represent the country in the Universiade (World University Games) baskeball tournamanet in Serbia.

The De La Salle Green Archers had beaten University of San Carlos, University of the East and San Beda College before having a date with Ateneo to spoil the Blue’s short lived dominance. I find time to watch the PCCL finals because this is the last stand of JV Casio in the collegiate league wearing DLSU Green Archer Jersey. He did not disappoint us together with the rest of the team.

Looking forward for another year of collegiate basketball games since the Green Archers are relatively intact with Rico leading another campaign. I enjoy watching collegiate games instead of professional games because it includes heart and pride for the glory of one's school. Though once in a while I get to watch Sunday Salvacion, who was from DLSU-College of Saint Benilde, doing good stuff for Barangay Ginebra Kings. His dominance led to the Senior Baskeball Championship of DLS-CSB in NCAA in 2001, three years after the school joined the league.

Though it may be a bitter sweet year, the green and white and the entire Lasallian community continuously fight to keep its glory bright and never shall we fail...

Hail to thee, our Alma Mater. Animo La Salle! Animo Benilde!