Games Saturday:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

2 p.m. – Adamson vs UST

4 p.m. – UST vs La Salle

University of the Philippines begins its long and bumpy road to a title repeat when it faces a familiar foe in De La Salle University as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men's basketball tournament comes off the wraps on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Game time is set at 4 p.m. following the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser between host Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas.

The defending champions are off to a challenging start against a team eager to avenge its painful Final Four exit just a few months ago in Season 84.

Head coach Goldwin Monteverde, who steered the Fighting Maroons to their first title in 36 years at the expense of powerhouse Ateneo de Manila University, knows that the Green Archers are extra motivated and will march to battle with guns blazing.

"La Salle is a very good team. We'll just take the challenge in front of us," Monteverde said.

"All teams showed vast improvement during the preseason. I guess whether it's La Salle or whomever we will face we know we have to be prepared."

But UP will also come into war well-equipped as well.

Despite the departure of guard Ricci Rivero, who is now playing in the Taiwan pro league, and CJ Cansino sitting out the season because of a knee injury, the Fighting Maroons will virtually parade an intact championship core.

Leading the way for UP is Season 84 Rookie of the Year Carl Tamayo, who is one of the favorites to cop the Most Valuable Player award.