The Philippine Online Chronicles

Former La Salle Green Archers won 117-104 against past Ateneo Blue Eagles in last night's charity reunion match in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The match, dubbed “Blue vs. Green: Dream Game 2012”, was the third of its kind in seven years and follows a prior 90-90 draw in 2008 and an Ateneo 88-85 victory in 2005. The La Salle win was in stark contrast to Ateneo's current four-year domination of UAAP basketball.

Archer Don Allado, the oldest from both teams at 32, played the fiercest game and was honored as the Best Player of the Game.

“We got the win and we’re even. We really made sure to be the better team today,” he said.

La Salle was led by coach Franz Pumaren, who previously led the Green Archers to five UAAP championship titles; four years running from 1998–2001 and again in 2007. Norman Black, who guided Ateneo to their own four-year streak, was in charge of the Blue Eagles.

Pumaren's team only practiced once, whereas Black's men played as a team two times before their loss.

Joseph Yeo, JV Casio, Mike Cortez, Mac Cardona, RenRen Ritualo, TY Tang, Ryan Araña, Rico Maierhoffer, Carlo Sharma, Jerwin Gaco, Willie Wilson and JR Aquino played beside Allado for La Salle.

Enrico Villanueva, Japeth Aguilar, Noy Baclao, Doug Kramer, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier, JC Intal, Wesley Gonzales, Magnum Membrere, Eric Salamat, Rich Alvarez, and Paolo Bugia, meanwhile, donned the blue again.

The Ateneo-La Salle athletic rivalry is long and storied, and has recently been adapted to the stage in the musical “Rivalry”, which runs until 11th March at the Meralco Theatre.