Despite Ateneo de Manila University’s defeat to De La Salle University, Jared Bahay said the Blue Eagles remain committed to preserving the intensity and competitive spirit that have long defined one of the UAAP’s biggest rivalries.
The Ateneo guard acknowledged that the Green Archers had the better finish in their latest showdown, but stressed that the rivalry remains bigger than any single result.
“It’s always been the rivalry, you know, ever since it’s been competitive. Parang kinontinue lang namin kung ano iyung mga laro dati sa rivalry game. Iyun nga, may kasabihan ang mga alumni na matalo lang sa lahat, huwag lang sa La Salle,” Bahay said.
Ateneo entered the matchup riding a two-game winning streak and a 3-1 record, but DLSU rallied from a third-quarter deficit before pulling away in the closing stretch.
Bahay, who finished with 14 points, said the Blue Eagles fought until the final buzzer despite falling behind late.
The sophomore guard said that never-give-up mentality is something the current Ateneo group wants to carry forward as it becomes part of the storied rivalry.
Although the result did not go Ateneo’s way, Bahay viewed the game as another opportunity for the Blue Eagles to experience what makes the Ateneo-La Salle matchup unique. (Adrian Co)
