UP launches bid to end drought
Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena) 12 noon – Opening Ceremonies 2 p.m. – UP vs UE 4 p.m. – NU vs UST
University of the Philippines (UP) begins its quest to end a 21-year Final Four drought when it battles University of the East (UE) today in the opener of the UAAP men’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Bright Akhuetie makes his muchawaited debut for the Fighting Maroons, who are determined to start the tournament on a high note in the 2 p.m. match against the Red Warriors which comes after the opening ceremonies.
UP coach Bo Perasol believes his team has what it takes to finally make the semis for the first time since 1997 after falling short of forcing at least a playoff the previous season.
“We have prepared for this season the best way we can. I believe we are ready to battle,” said Perasol.
Akhuetie, the 6-foot-8 Nigerian center, is out to live up to his billing after making a name for himself as a strong inside presence for University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA.
Aside from Akhuetie, UP will also rely on graduating guard Paul Desiderio, while backing them up are brothers Juan and Juan Gomez de Liaño, Jun Manzo and Gelo Vito.
“We will play UE the way we are supposed to play any other team. We are focused on what we can do,” said Perasol.
Out to spoil the fun State U is UE, which will now be handled by former Ateneo high school Joe Silva.
Silva took a big step in his coaching career by accepting the Red Warriors months after steering the Kai Sotto-led Blue Eaglets to the UAAP juniors title.
“UP is a very strong team. In fact they are contenders for the Final Four. We are excited to play and see how we fare against them. Our team is ready for today’s game versus UP,” said Silva.
UE’s ace gunner Alvin Pasaol, who exploded for 49 points in an elimination round game last season, along with holdovers Philip Manalang, Jason Varilla, Chris Connor and transferee Ric Gallardo are the players to watch for Silva.
Facing off in the second game at 4 p.m. are National University, powered by Gilas Cadets standout Troy Rike and brothers Shaun and Dave Ildefonso, and University of Santo Tomas, handled by new coach Aldin Ayo.
Ayo tries to turn the fortunes of the Growling Tigers like he did in steering Letran to the NCAA crown in 2015 and La Salle to the UAAP title in 2016. UST is coming off a 1-13 campaign.