MANILA, Philippines – Pacesetting National University guns for its eighth straight win against defending champion Ateneo today in the UAAP Season 78 juniors’ basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Bullpups completed a clean sweep of the first round with a 73-60 victory over the Blue Eaglets last Dec. 12 and the Sampaloc-based cagers eye a repeat in the explosive 11 a.m. encounter.
In other matches, De La Salle-Zobel collides with Far Eastern University-Diliman at 3 p.m., Adamson University takes on UP Integrated School at 1 p.m., while University of Santo Tomas faces University of the East at 9 a.m.
NU’s 6-foot-4 stalwart Justine Baltazar imposed his will against the Eaglets the first time around, banging in 18 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, with John Lloyd Clemente adding 18, and they’re expected to play another key role today.
Last year’s Finals MVP Jolo Mendoza, who was scoreless in 15 minutes due to injury against NU, hopes to make up this time for Ateneo.
The Eaglets are tied with the Junior Archers at second spot at 5-2, a full game ahead of joint fourth placers the Baby Tamaraws and the Baby Falcons (4-3).
The Tiger Cubs are two games out of the Magic 4 with a 2-5 slate, the Junior Maroons are at 1-6, while the Junior Warriors are winless in seven first round matches.
Meanwhile, action in juniors’ baseball blasts off today at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium with De La Salle-Zobel battling UST at 9 a.m. Ateneo drew an opening day bye.