Since the Eagles and Lady Eagles were earlier “arrowed” down by their green counterparts, the younger ones knew they had to step up. So on July 21, during the season’s first blue-green encounter in the juniors division, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets upped their game quite literally. It was among the longest 40 minutes that heralded the legendary rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle.

In the end, the Eaglets clawed their way to a 73-67 win, depriving the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers of a flawless record. As their respective alma mater hymns were sung, both camps showed respect for each other, with warm rounds of applause. At the end of the day, good sportsmanship prevailed: You win some, you lose some.