Eagles, Falcons clash in UAAP opener today

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo and Adamson – two high-flying teams out to go all the way after showing great potential last year – tangle in a high-powered encounter highlighting the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament’s kick-off action at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay today.

The Blue Eagles, runners-up in Season 79, and the Soaring Falcons, semifinalists the last time out, square off in a 4 p.m. battle between two legit contenders parading a core that gained mileage and experience from their magical runs the previous tournament.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “We know they (Falcons) are a good team, they have every good players and they have a very good coach and staff who have elevated their players’ level of play.”

Although it’s public knowledge that the likes of Thirdy Ravena, Aaron Black, Isaac Go and Anton Asistio are returning wiser and now more adapted to the system of second-year coach Tab Baldwin, AdU mentor Franz Pumaren claimed the Eagles remain a puzzle for them.

“We’re still in the dark right now because the last time we’re able to watch Ateneo was seven months ago. For sure, they have new stuff they’re preparing for. I’m hearing they are really playing well during tune-up games. It’s going to be tough preparing for them; you don’t really know what’s in store for you,” he said.

Author: Olmin Leyba, Philippine Star
Full Article: http://www.philstar.com/sports/2017/09/09/1737300/eagles-falcons-clash-uaap-opener-today