Eagles, Falcons clash in UAAP opener today
Games today (MOA Arena) 12 noon – Opening Ceremony 2 p.m. – UE vs NU 4 p.m. – AdMU vs AdU
Ateneo and Adamson – two high-flying teams out to go all the way after showing great potential last year – tangle in a high-powered encounter highlighting the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament’s kick-off action at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay today.
The Blue Eagles, runners-up in Season 79, and the Soaring Falcons, semifinalists the last time out, square off in a 4 p.m. battle between two legit contenders parading a core that gained mileage and experience from their magical runs the previous tournament.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “We know they (Falcons) are a good team, they have every good players and they have a very good coach and staff who have elevated their players’ level of play.”
Although it’s public knowledge that the likes of Thirdy Ravena, Aaron Black, Isaac Go and Anton Asistio are returning wiser and now more adapted to the system of second-year
coach Tab Baldwin, AdU mentor Franz Pumaren claimed the Eagles remain a puzzle for them.
“We’re still in the dark right now because the last time we’re able to watch Ateneo was seven months ago. For sure, they have new stuff they’re preparing for. I’m hearing they are really playing well during tune-up games. It’s going to be tough preparing for them; you don’t really know what’s in store for you,” he said.
Pumaren, who has the league’s greenlight to call the shots for AdU even if he’s coaching GlobalPort in the PBA, has at his disposal the Falcons’ Big Three of Papi Sarr, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Rob Manalang along with Sean Manganti and fresh additions Jerie Pingoy and Tyrus Hill.
Darkhorses University of the East, with veteran Derrick Pumaren at the helm, and National U, with Jamike Jarin making his debut on the bench, slug it out in a high-speed duel between two run-and-gun teams at 2 p.m.
“We’re a very young team but we’ll promise to give our best and be very competitive,” said Jarin, who won a championship for San Beda over in the NCAA before taking over a young NU quintet.
“We’re looking forward to a better performance this time and hopefully guys we’re relying on will deliver this time,” said the older Pumaren.
A colorful opening ceremony set 12 noon ushers in the league’s 80th season, featuring a tribute to the greatest athletes the UAAP has produced since its inception. Theme of this season, according to host FEU , is “Go for Great.”