Mighty Eaglets, Bullpups open UAAP junior title series

Undefeated Ateneo and contender National U, the top two teams all tournament long, slug it out in what promises to be a slam-bang duel for the UAAP Season 80 juniors’ basketball crown beginning today at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Eaglets have gone straight to the bestof-three finals after sweeping the 14-game elims and made full use of their 11-day break to fine-tune things for the 4 p.m. series opener.

“I feel that during the break we were able to improve on our weaknesses and we were able to rest. Also, because of the long break we were able to prepare well,” said AdMU coach Jose Silva.

The Eaglets, led by towering Kai Sotto, SJ Belangel and Dave Ildefonso, kept themselves sharp while waiting for an opponent by playing several tune-up games.

National U, pouncing on its twice-to-beat advantage in the stepladder semis, took care of business and forged an anticipated Last Dance with Ateneo by beating No. 4 University of Santo Tomas, 91-72, last Tuesday.

“We’ll give our best against Ateneo,” said NU mentor Goldwin Monteverde, who’s on his first finals appearance. “We have to improve our defense, especially on Belangel and Sotto.”

Rhayyan Amsali, Terrence Fortea, Matthew Manalang, Miguel Oczon and Pao Javillonar are expected to lead the charge for NU, a perennial finalist that has gone all the way to the title in even-numbered seasons (74, 76, and 78). Now on their seventh straight finals appearance, the Bullpups look to continue this trend.