UAAP first day winners part ways

Ateneo takes on another tough rival in University of the East after disposing of pre-tournament favorite Far Eastern U at resumption of action in the UAAP men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles hope to ride the momentum of their 63-59 triumph over the Tams last Sunday as they head to their 4 p.m. encounter with the Warriors, who were also impressive in their debut after clobbering the rookie-laden La Salle Archers, 65-46, in Saturday’s inaugurals.

University of Santo Tomas and National U clash in the other game at 2 p.m. with the Tigers coming off a scrambling 76-75 win over the Adamson Falcons and the Bulldogs routing the Univ. of the Phils. Maroons, 74-64.

Against the Warriors, Ateneo coach Norman Black said he will use a different approach against the Warriors. “It’s a completely different ballgame. FEU is not only a big team but also very athletic. The Warriors are a smaller team but they’re quick and fast so it’s going to be a different match-up as far as our defense go,” said Black.

Black also took note of the Warriors’ shift from a structured offense to a free-flowing one.

“They have a free-flowing offense. They don’t really have much structure to their offense but they seemed to have a good spacing, it means they allow their players to utilize their individual talents,” said Black.

Black was also impressed with UE’s aggressiveness in defense.

UE mentor Lawrence Chongson, meanwhile, said he will lean on the Warriors’ fighting heart and pride to overcome the talented Blue Eagles.

“I cannot think of any formula to beat defending champion Ateneo as of now. All we’ll bring to the game is our heart and our pride. Whether they would be enough or not, we’ll just have to wait and find out,” said Chongson.

Reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who powered his way to 18 points, including six in the deciding stretch of the fourth quarter that stymied the Tams’ rally, is expected to lead the Eagles anew.