Opening salvo: La Salle battles NU as UAAP cage wars erupt

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

12 p.m. — FEU vs Adamson

2:30 p.m. — La Salle vs NU

6 p.m. — UP vs UST

Defending champion De La Salle University knows what to expect from National University (NU) after the humiliation it suffered last year in the Final Four.

A fiery war awaits the Green Archers when they begin their title-retention bid in an acid test against the revenge-seeking Bulldogs in an explosive triple-header opener of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The grudge match between the semis protagonists of the previous year explodes at 2:30 p.m. following the first game of the league’s first semester centerpiece event between season host Far Eastern University (FEU) and Adamson University at 12 p.m.

Meanwhile, last year’s runner-up University of the Philippines (UP) clashes with pre-season favorite University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the 6 p.m. nightcap.

Still, all eyes will be on La Salle’s first step in its back-to-back bid post-workhorse big man Mike Phillips era.

Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson braces for a tougher NU side this time after receiving the boot from the then No. 4 La Salle in the Final Four last year despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage.

“NU has always been a tough matchup for us. They’re big, they’re physical, and we know they’re going to challenge us in a lot of ways,” said the fourth-year mentor.

“But at the end of the day, we can’t be too concerned about the things we cannot control. Our focus is on us. How we execute, how we compete, and how we stay together, especially when things get tough,” Robinson added.

La Salle has to fill the huge shoes left by last year’s Finals Most Valuable Player Phillips but Robinson is confident of his returning veterans.

Guard Jacob Cortez is dead set on leaving a winning legacy and end his collegiate career as a champion alongside other graduating veterans Mason Amos, Earl Abadam and JC Macalalag to give the Green Archers their first consecutive crowns since completing a four-peat in 2001.

Fueled by their desire for payback and redemption, the Bulldogs are ready to bite back.

Despite the departure of go-to guy Jake Figueroa, NU remains a solid bunch behind PJ Palacielo, Reinhard Jumamoy, Paul Francisco and Malian student-athlete Mo Diassana, who is back after sustaining a season-ending left knee injury two years ago.

“We’re moving forward from what happened last year, but it’s a learning experience. The previous year, prior to last season, we’re not in the Final Four, and last year we became No. 1, so hopefully, we’ll be able to replicate that although we’re fielding a little younger team this time,” NU mentor Jeff Napa said.

On the other hand, the Fighting Maroons are locked and loaded for their mission to return the crown to Diliman.

UP is armed to the teeth with experienced holdovers Noy Remogat, Gani Stevens, Jacob Bayla and Nigerian Francis Nnoruka.

The Goldwin Monteverde-coached side also stacked its roster with blue-chip transferees in Season 87 Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre and National Collegiate Athletic Association champion and Finals MVP James Payosing.

Following an impressive pre-season run, the Growling Tigers are hungry for glory.

Sophomore Collins Akowe is back alongside Amiel Acido, Gelo Crisostomo, and Mark Llemit, while Kristian Porter will make his debut for UST.

Meanwhile, third-year coach Sean Chambers has high expectations for the intact Tamaraws.

Season 88 MVP Janrey Pasaol, holdovers Kirby Mongcopa, Jedric Daa, big man Mo Konateh and veteran Jorick Bautista lead FEU’s charge with super rookie Season 88 Juniors MVP 6-foot-5 forward Cabs Cabonillas and Marc Burgos.