The Top 3 Moments of DLSU vs ADMU Rivalry
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Larry’s Block Party
2002 Finals: Game 1
September 25, 2002
Easily the most recognizable Ateneo-La Salle moment, Larry Fonacier twice blocked Mark Cardona’s game-tying attempts in the dying seconds to preserve the Game 1 win for Ateneo, 72-70. After Villanueva sank two free throws to give the Blue Eagles the lead with 9.2 ticks remaining, La Salle, with no timeouts left, quickly inbounded the ball to Cardona, who raced to the other end of the court. Fonacier was there to defend him and perfectly anticipate his patented semi-hooks. Fonacier then raised his hands as time expired with Cardona slumped on the floor.
Cool Cat Gets Cold Feet
2002 Finals: Game 3
October 5, 2002
No matter how good Mike Cortez was during his UAAP days, people will always remember his choke job in Game 3 of the 2002 Finals. “The Cool Cat” surprisingly went cold from the field as he shot an atrocious 2 of 13. Ateneo handily won the game, 77-70, and the series to end their 14-year title drought. The win also denied the Green Archers their fifth straight championship. Cortez’s no-show in the do-or-die affair led La Salle students and alumni to speculate that he threw the game. Cortez denied the rumors and applied for the PBA Draft after his UAAP career.