ABS-CBN to air UAAP foootball

MANILA, Philippines - College football debuts on live television as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) kicks off its Season 76 hostilities on Nov. 23 at the Far Eastern University (FEU)-Diliman pitch.

Studio 23 will air the 3 p.m. match between FEU, last season’s third-placer, and National University (NU), a first in Philippine college football that is inspired by the continuing surge of the sport in the country.

A triple bill actually ushers in Season 76 football with the non-televised clashes between De La Salle and University of Santo Tomas at 10 a.m. and last season’s runner-up University of the Philippines and University of the East at 1 p.m.          

Defending champion Ateneo drew an opening-day bye and will face FEU at 3 p.m. on Nov. 26.          

Bannered by ace striker Jess Melliza, who drilled a league-record 22 goals last season, the Tamaraws are one of the biggest threats to the Blue Eagles this season.

Ateneo is hard-pressed to retain the title with Season 75 Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper Nick O’Donnell and midfielder Val Calvo out of the roster due to academics. The Blue Eagles will now count on veterans Yu Murayama, Mikko Mabanag, Jico Noel and Carlo Liay, last season’s top rookie.