Maroons face acid test vs Eagles

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 2 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men) 4 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (Men)

University of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol knows how dangerous Ateneo is coming off a loss, but he's focusing more on the improvements the Fighting Maroons can make as they face the defending champions Blue Eagles in the 81st UAAP men's basketball tournament today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"We have so much to improve on in our team," said Perasol.

"We can't worry too much about Ateneo. We have to be more concerned about we can do and improve," added Perasol.

The Eagles lost their opening match against Adamson, 74-70, last Sunday.

The game between UP and Ateneo is set at 4 p.m., right after the match between Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m.

Powered by Nigerian recruit Bright Akhuetie, UP downed University of the East, 87-58, on opening day Sunday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena a n Pasay City.

Like the Maroons, the Tamaraws will aim for a 2-0 start following a 68-61 win over 2016 champion De La Salle University last Saturday.

It is the first game of what FEU coach Olsen Racela considers a "tough three-game stretch" to start the season. After the Green Archers, the Tams are now up against the Growling Tigers under new mentor Aldin Ayo, whose team suffered a 75-70 loss to the National University Bulldogs.

"It's a killer week for us," said Racela, whose team will face Ateneo on Saturday in a rematch of last year's Final Four. "After this week, malalaman namin what we are made of."