Games Saturday
(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena)
8:30 a.m. – FEU-D vs Ateneo (JHS boys)
10:30 a.m. – AdU vs DLSZ (JHS boys)
1 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (men’s)
4:30 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (men’s)
Games Sunday
(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena)
8:30 a.m. – UE vs NU (JHS boys)
10:30 a.m. – UPIS vs UST (JHS boys)
2 p.m. – UE vs NU (men’s)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs UST (men’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
As the festive celebration of the UAAP Season 88 opening fades, focus quickly shifts to the hardcourt action in the men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena in Manila Saturday, Sept. 20.
And there is no better way to begin the new season than an opening salvo that featured teams that have plenty to prove for this season.
Ateneo is taking on FEU in the first offering at 1 p.m. before the La Salle tangles against Adamson in the main event at 4;30 p.m.
Picking up the pieces from yet another bridesmaid finish last season, the Green Archers aim for the perfect start to their redemption tour when they face off against the Soaring Falcons.
Veteran Mike Phillips is expected carry the mantle for the Green Archers this season following the departure of Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, Henry Agunnane, Joshua David, and Raven Gonzales
Phillips, competing in his final year as a Green Archer, is bracing for a tough road ahead, especially with multiple talents from juniors who are capable of making an impact in the collegiate ranks.
“This season is going to be tough,” said the hardworking forward who will join hands with fellow mainstays Vhoris Marasigan, EJ Gollena, and JC Macalalag. “Winning a championship here is really going to take everything from you.”
The Topex Robinson-guided crew, however, remains formidable with transferees Mason Amos, Keann Baclaan, and Jacob Cortez are all eligible to play in the UAAP.
But the Nash Racela-mentored Adamson wouldn’t be a walk in the park for the Taft-based squad as it maintained most of its core, including Cedrick Manzano, Matty Erolon, AJ Fransman, and Mathew Montebon.
Ateneo, on the other hand, tries to bury the pain of the last seasons struggles as it aims for a winning start against an FEU team still trying to navigate life without former star Veejay Pre.
Head coach Tab Baldwin is counting on his sophomore guard Jared Bahay to lead the Eagles assault against the talent-laden Tamaraws which still have Jorick Bautista, Janrey Pasaol, and Mo Konateh as threats..
Meanwhile, junior high school teams are also taking the centerstage with FEU-D tangles with Ateneo at 8:30 a.m., while Adamson battles De La Salle Zobel at 10:30 a.m.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, reigning champion University of the Philippines starts its title defense bid at 4:30 p.m. when it challenges host UST, which is playing without its star point guard Forthsky Padrigao due to a one-game suspension. University of the East and National University meet at 2 p.m.
