Defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) opens its title-retention bid with a daunting challenge, squaring off against Far Eastern University–Diliman today in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The clash between two of the tournament’s perennial contenders is set for 12 p.m., following the curtain-raiser between the University of the East and Ateneo de Manila University.

Over in the girls’ tournament, National University Nazareth School — bannered by new head coach Ai Lebornio and Aubrey Lapasaran — opens its redemption campaign against the Blue Eagles at 8 a.m. to kick off the day’s five-game slate.

In Season 87, the Tiger Cubs leaned on the quartet of Finals Most Valuable Player Racine Kane, Koji Buenaflor, Charles Bucsit and Carl Manding to outlast the Bullpups in a thrilling three-game finals series that gave the program its first title in 24 years.

However, with Buenaflor and his teammates moving up to the collegiate ranks, head coach Manu Inigo is counting on skipper Kirk Canete, co-captains Charles Esteban and Wacky Ludovice, and forward Liam Acido to emerge as UST’s new leaders.

“Well, we really have a program. We’re always ready every time somebody is leaving. Those who will replace them are showing that they are capable of leading the team,” Iñigo said.

“Now, those who will replace the core are Wacky, Kirk, Liam and Charles. Every year, that’s what we’re doing. We’re doing it by process. That’s why we’re not worried because our core is always ready.”

Across the court will be a largely intact Baby Tamaraws side composed of Gilas Youth member Cabs Cabonilas, Marc Burgos, Jheremy Godoy, Yosef Raneses and JB Cagurungan.

Iñigo believes that opening the season against a perennial contender like FEU-D will benefit a UST side carrying a target on its back as the defending champion.

“Well, it’s good for us to face FEU in our first game. At least, we can see right away what are the things that we need to adjust. We can also see where we are right now in terms of preparation.”

FEU-D will be led by a new head coach in Mike Reyes, brother of TNT tactician and former Gilas Pilipinas Men head coach Chot Reyes.

Taking over from Denok Miranda, Reyes admitted there is pressure to deliver in his first year with the program. Still, he believes that the Baby Tamaraws’ offseason progress puts them in a position to reclaim the title they last won in Season 85.