THE marquee matchup pitting archrivals Ateneo and La Salle highlights the first week of men’s basketball hostilities in the UAAP which opens shop next month at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While the mouth-watering showdown between the two successful teams the past two decades happens on Sept. 8 also at the Big Dome, the opening show – which for many years attracts large number of followers – will be held on Sept.1
This time though there will be no matches during the opening ceremony at the historic coliseum as host Ateneo is out to regale UAAP fans with the traditional “palabas”.
The Eagles are seeking a third straight crown after sweeping University of the Philippines in last season’s best-of-three finals while La Salle tries to book a return trip to the top.
The Archers, bannered by Jeric Teng, won their last title three years ago.
The Eagles have intensified their buildup the past few months, winning the PBA D-League last June before undergoing training camps in Greece, Singapore and Australia.
Two-time Finals Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena and Rookie of the Year Ange Kouame are slated to banner the Blue Eeagles while the Archers will be spearheaded by Aljun Melecio and Andrei Caracut.
Prior to the thrilling duel against La Salle, host Ateneo first raises the curtain when it takes on Adamson University on opening day of completion.
Other opening day matchups pit University of Santo Tomas against University of the East, and University of the Philippines against Far Eastern University.
UP, which made to finals for the first time in 21 years, boasts of highly touted recruits in Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.
The two will join hands with reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie.
The league has compressed the tournament schedule to only 25 days with three matches per playdate to give way to the Southeast Asian Games that the country is hosting late November.
Matches are to be played Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. (KRISTEL SATUMBAGA)
