Reigning champion Adamson University kicks off its quest for back-to-back titles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) high school boys’ basketball tournament when it battles Far Eastern University (FEU)-Diliman today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The battle between these two title contenders will tip off the tournament at 8 a.m.

Last season, the Baby Falcons — led by the formidable quartet of Tebol Garcia, Vince Reyes, JC Bonzalida and Gene Carillo — clinched their first championship in 31 years by defeating the National University Nazareth School Bullpups in a grueling three-game series.

However, with those key players now going up the collegiate ranks, Adamson looks to Finals Most Valuable Player Mark Esperanza, Earl Medina and Allen Perez to step up as the team’s new leaders.

“Our mindset now is no longer about defending the title. We’re now thinking about the game,” Adamson coach Mike Fermin said.

“To defend the title, we first have to be consistent. Our approach is one game at a time.”

On the other side, the Baby Tamaraws will be anchored by the Gilas Youth duo of Cabs Cabonillas and Marc Burgos, both of whom have shown significant improvement in their game.

“FEU is one of the title contenders,” Fermin added.

“You can’t take other teams for granted. But if there’s a team that will make you nervous, that’s FEU. We have to be focused against them from start to finish.”

FEU-Diliman also welcomes a new head coach, Denok Miranda, who takes over from Allan Albano.

Miranda, concurrently the head of basketball operations at FEU, acknowledges the challenge posed by the defending champions.

“Of course, they’re the defending champion. We also have short preparation. Winning over them will not be easy,” Miranda said.

The 10 a.m. game features reigning Most Valuable Player Collins Akowe and National University Nazareth Schools taking on University of Santo Tomas, which is led by newcomer Racine Kane.

The Bullpups will be without senior guard Tom Pillado for the first four games of the season due to accumulated unsportsmanlike and technical fouls from last year.

In the 12 noon game in this tournament which also serves as a qualifier for the Smart NBTC National Finals. Ateneo de Manila University, under new head coach and former Blue Eagle Ford Arao, will face the University of the East Junior Warriors.

Ateneo’s lineup includes second-generation cagers Ziv Espinas and UAAP Season 87 Junior High School MVP Zane Kallos.

The day’s final game at 2 p.m. pits Kieffer Alas and the De La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers against the UP Integrated School Fighting Maroons.