By CARLO ANOLIN
Ateneo begins its quest for a fourth straight crown against neighboring rival University of the Philippines as part of a tight men’s basketball schedule prepared by the UAAP for the 84th season that kicks off on March 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles battle the Fighting Maroons at 4 p.m. in the renewal of the “Battle of Katipunan” to headline a four-game bill and usher in the return of the collegiate season after almost two years of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas will set the pace of men’s hoop action at 10 a.m; Adamson University will battle National University at 1 p.m.; and La Salle and University of the East will cap off the night at 7 p.m.
On April 2, the classic rivalry between La Salle and Ateneo will be seen for the first time again in two years without collegiate action, at 7 p.m.
Ateneo and UST will bring back memories of their UAAP Season 82 Finals rivalry when the two teams meet on April 9 at 4 p.m.
All eyes will still be on Ateneo, who bagged the UAAP title for three straight years, which will be without the likes of three-time Finals Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, and Nieto twins — Matt and Mike.
The Growling Tigers clawed their way en route to the best-of-three title showdown with the Blue Eagles after taking down the Tamaraws and the Fighting Maroons, who had a twice-to-beat advantage then, in the stepladder rounds.
Scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the UAAP will hold four games in a day with timeslots of 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.
This meant that all eight universities will have the chance to play in a single day.
There are seven initial game days, should everything go as planned, starting from the opener March 26 (Saturday), March 29 (Tuesday), March 31 (Thursday), April 2 (Saturday), April 5 (Tuesday), April 7 (Thursday), and April 9 (Saturday), with all games to be held at the MOA Arena.
