The Knights are fancied over the Falcons in their 2 p.m. encounter while the Warriors, champions of the inaugural Bantay Bata Showdown, hope to hurdle the Heavy Bombers in their 4 p.m. clash in the short series featuring the top four teams from the UAAP and the NCAA leagues.
"Maiksi ang tournament. Hindi pwede mag-relax lalo na hindi naman tayo nakasisiguro sa mga teams," said UE coach Boycie Zamar.
After a brief opening rites at 1:30 p.m., to be highlighted by the performance of UAAP cheerdance champion UST Salinggawi, Letran coach Louie Alas starts his personal campaign in a bid to prove to all that the best teams in the NCAA can measure up to the finest squads in the UAAP.
The Knights overcame the odds in capturing this year’s NCAA title as they toppled the reigning San Sebastian Stags.