Hurdling their respective opening day assignments, the Blue Eagles and the Tigers tackle each other at 4 p.m. while the Maroons battle the Far EasternTamaraws, qualifiers in last year’s Final Four, at 2 p.m.
Led by mainstays Enrico Villanueva, Wesley Gonzales, Rich Alvarez, Jeck Chia and Larry Fonacier – Ateneo outclassed host National University, 82-77, in Saturday’s inaugurals that gave hints of its true strength.
With the comebacking Cyrus Baguio firing on almost all angles, UST, for its part, turned back Adamson, 74-61, last Sunday while Michael Bravo led the Maroons to a 59-54 decision over the UE Warriors. .
Attention, however, will be on the Eagles and the Tigers, who will finally be tested after facing lighter foes in their initial matches.
"This game will be a big test for us because we know that UST is a formidable team especially with Cyrus Baguio back in the lineup," said Ateneo coach Joel Banal, who steered Ateneo to the PBL Chairman’s Cup title victory over Blu Sun Power last May.