ATHLETICS

Ateneo-La Salle, Xavier Style!
Thompson Tang (H2D), Stallion News Writer

Posted Wednesday, 17-Nov-2004 1:19 PM

     The recently concluded and successful Wish Bazaar last November 13-14, 2004 was not just about concessionaires selling their goods and people buying from them. It featured several programs that entertained and drew the attention of the people. One of the programs offered was The “DLS-Tiu and Aten-Yeo” Basketball Game, which featured Xavier alumni who, after graduating high school, went on to study at either La Salle or Ateneo.

       Held in the Xavier High School wooden court last Sunday from 3 to 6 PM , the showdown of stars was much awaited by the family and friends of the players. Moreover, Xaverians and ICAns, including some members of the faculty and staff, filled the bleachers. It was evident, though, that the audience refrained from shouting out loud and were reserved with their actions.

      The game featured the current UAAP stars who played for their respective teams: Joseph Yeo (’01), Tyrone Tang (’02) from De La Salle and Chris Tiu (’03) from Ateneo,. Minutes before the game, the three had a picture-taking and autograph-signing session with their friends, fans and supporters. Children, including teenagers and teachers, were spotted falling in line to get a snapshot and signature of their idols.

       After a short invocation by Fr. Ismael Zuloaga, SJ, the head of the Alumni Relations Office and a brief introduction of the players, the game started at around 4 pm . As expected, the UAAP stars rallied and led their respective teams right from the start of the ball game. However, they were not the only ones who were relied upon, as the Blue Team was able to get support from Jean Alabanza (’93) while the Green Team had Marvin Sioco (’99) and Donnel Ong (’99).

       It was only in the final two minutes of the game that the audience cheered up as the intensity of the game rose to a higher level. It was during this time when Alabanza showed his electrifying skills, while Yeo showed everyone why he is aptly called The Ninja . The game ended with the Green Team winning, 92-84.

     The Blue-Green Basketball Game, sponsored by Accel and the Alumni Association of Xavier School, is on its second year with the Blue Team emerging as the winner last year. It is however, both for the organizers and the players, not a showdown on who’s better between archrivals Archers and Eagles. Instead, it is a celebration of Xavier pride and talent.

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