RTU, Olivarez clash in 13th UCAA opener

Games today (Blue Eagle gym)

10 a.m. – PSBA vs Trinity

11:30 a.m. – MLQU vs PNTC

1 p.m. – Olivarez College vs RTU

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Rizal Technological University and last year’s runner-up Olivarez College clash today at the start of the 13th season of the Universities and College Athletics Association (UCAA) at the Blue Eagle gym in Katipunan Ave., Quezon City.

Odds are just about even in the featured 2 p.m. encounter with both teams fielding in practically rookie-laden rosters since most of their mainstays last year have graduated.

In fact, both coaches of the RTU Blue Thunder and the Olivarez Sea Lions said they are not looking beyond the semifinals, adding their focus is on exposure and the experience their players will gain throughout the season.

The Blue Thunder outlasted the Sea Lions, 66-62, to capture last year’s crown.

The RTU-Olivarez faceoff also caps a three-game bill kicking off the annual cagefest.

Host Philippine School of Business Administration tangles with Trinity University of Asia in the 10 a.m. opener while Manuel L. Quezon University takes on Philippine Nautical and Technical College at 11:30 a.m.

Atty. Benjamin Paulino, school president of PSBA, will lead the opening rites at 8 a.m. to be assisted by UCAA president Tisha Abundo and other members of the UCAA board.

Two UCAA members – De La Salle University-Dasmarinas and Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite – have taken a leave of absence, leaving six member schools to slug it out for the title.