At A Glance
- One-and-done Dominic Escobar was candid about his first experience of the Ateneo-De La Salle rivalry game: it was electrifying and it was something he never experienced before.
Dominic Escobar relishes first Ateneo-La Salle rivalry game in the UAAP. (UAAP Media)
One-and-done Dominic Escobar was candid about his first experience of the Ateneo-De La Salle rivalry game: it was electrifying and it was something he never experienced before.
Escobar, 23, impressed in his first-ever appearance in the country’s storied collegiate matchup with the Blue Eagles prevailing via an 81-74 win over the Green Archers in front of the 17,185 roaring fans inside the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday, Oct. 5.
“Man, it was something I've never experienced before,” said Escobar, who starred in the first half and finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and one assist.
The 6-foot-5 brawny guard even posed questions to former players as well to his coaches with regards to the highly anticipated Ateneo-La Salle duel.
They've emphasized how much this rivalry meant to them and they take a lot of pride with it,” Escobar continued.
“So just with preparation throughout this whole week, it kind of gives you that extra edge to play harder and to make sure that we come out with the win,” he added. “And I just wanted to make sure I did my role well.”
The former Cal State standout also stressed that playing at Smart Araneta Coliseum first, where they had a 77-58 triumph over Adamson last Sept. 28, kind of helped him to cope up ahead of their game at the Pasay venue.
“I think I was more prepared this time. I've never really played in a big arena with a large crowd and a lot of energy,” said Escobar.
“So I think I learned from that last game and it translated into coming into this game along with our preparation and it helped a lot,” he added.
Escobar wasn’t the lone star for the Eagles, with Kymani Ladi, Shawn Tuano, Josh Lazaro, Ian Espinosa, and Wacky Espina providing ample offensive support.