UAAP: Kieffer-Jacob, Alas-Robinson faceoffs headline newest chapter of Ateneo-La Salle rivalry

(L-R) Ateneo’s Kieffer Alas, La Salle’s Jacob Cortez, Ateneo head coach Louie Alas, and La Salle head coach Topex Robinson in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University are set to rekindle their storied rivalry, with new faces and fresh matchups adding a new flavor as they face off for the first time in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball.

The newest chapter of the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry tips off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, with Kieffer Alas hoping to help the Blue Eagles surge to their third straight victory, although he understands that it will be easier said than done.

“I’m just gonna make sure we’re locked in and prepared for that,” said the former De La Salle-Zobel ace, after putting up 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in their 87-76 comeback win against National University on Saturday.

The Las Piñas native previously made a name for himself in the high school ranks with De La Salle-Zobel as the UAAP Season 87 boys’ Most Valuable Player (MVP), but standing in his way is Jacob Cortez, who is seeking to rally the Green Archers to their first winning streak of the year.

And while Cortez already has a UAAP championship under his belt, the sweet-shooting Archer remains wary of Alas and what he can bring to the floor.

“He’s a rookie, he’s got nothing to lose, so I’m excited for that,” said Cortez, who paced La Salle in its 112-87 beatdown of University of the East on Sunday with 15 points, four assists, and two rebounds.

“But you can’t underestimate his teammates. They play a huge role for their team, so we’re gonna lock in and practice for them,” added Cortez, who echoed Alas’ sentiments.

Aside from the Alas-Cortez matchup, the history shared by their respective head coaches will also take the spotlight in the match.

Ateneo’s Louie Alas and La Salle’s Topex Robinson both served as deputies with the Alaska Aces in the PBA before taking turns as lead tacticians of the Phoenix Fuel Masters from 2017 to 2023.

For Robinson, it is yet another experience that could help in his development as a mentor, saying his time with Alas in the past helped him become the coach he is today.

“Coach Louie has been part of my growth as a coach. Alot of my learning has come from him,” the two-time UAAP titlist said. “It’s really going to be an exciting experience for me as a young coach, learning from how he handles teams, especially in college.”

However, Alas instead focused on preparing for the game itself, especially since he holds the rivalry in high regard.

“The way we prepared against our previous opponents, we’ll do the same. Baka mas innovative pa nga, because from the sidelines, I’m pretty sure they will not hear me,” said the elder Alas.

“And coaching Ateneo is big enough, and the important thing for me — sabi ko nga na yung healing, mas nakakadali ng healing ‘pag nanalo. And nung naglalaro pa [si Kieffer] sa high school, pinapanood ko sila ng Ateneo-La Salle, and sinasabi nilang they want to play in those games. Sabi ko nga, ito yung premier game sa Pilipinas, Ateneo-La Salle, kahit sinong i-compare mo,” he added.

Meanwhile, Adamson University tries to remain within the top-four range when it faces National at 2:30 p.m.

In the women’s division, Ateneo tries to avoid its first 0-3 start in the Kacey dela Rosa era when it faces La Salle at noon, while University of the Philippines looks to regain its winning ways against Adamson at 10 a.m.