Originally set to start today, the opening matches of the tournament, dubbed the Showdown for Bantay Bata 163, will instead be held tomorrow, also at the Blue Eagle gym, with defending champion University of the East clashing with Jose Rizal University.
Other matches pit UAAP titlist Far Eastern U against Mapua, San Sebastian against La Salle, and NCAA champion Letran against Adamson.
Ateneo cited the Finals schedule of the school also slated this week as the reason for its withdrawal from the tournament which gathers the top four teams in the recent UAAP and NCAA tournaments. The Blue Eagles, however, will participate in the culminating All-Star Games where some of them will join coach Joel Banal’s UAAP North All-Stars.
Meanwhile, the Falcons, who rallied to finish fifth in the UAAP wars, hope to measure up to their rivals although they are expected to have their hands full against the Knights.
"Sayang," said Letran coach Louie Alas. "My boys and I are all ready for La Salle."
The Knights have been practicing daily since the week immediately after their victory over the Stags and have been preparing against the Archers, whom they were supposed to meet in the original schedule.
Action shifts to the Araneta Coliseum beginning Oct. 16 until the finals on Oct. 19 and the two-game crossover NCAA versus UAAP All-Star Sunday.
Proceeds will go to the development and maintenance of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Children’s Village, a 2.5-hectare property donated by Meralco, which will house 200 wards rescued from abusive situations while they undergo treatment and rehabilitation until they are re-integrated into society.