Tigers face Bulldogs; Warriors vs Maroons in UAAP opener

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas and University of the East – two teams that underwent coaching change – get their first taste of action under their new systems as they battle separate opponents in the opening salvo of UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament on Sept. 8 at the MOA Arena.

Per schedule released Thursday night, the new-look Tigers now handled by former La Salle coach Aldin Ayo, take on host National U Bulldogs in the 4 p.m. main game while former Ateneo juniors’ mentor Joe Silva calls the shots for the Red Warriors for the first time versus University of the Philippines in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser.

Dead last in 2017, the Tigers recruited Ayo out of the Archers’ camp in hopes of turning their fortunes around and they take an early test facing the highly touted Bulldogs crew under Ayo’s old rival, Jamike Jarin, who parades quality recruit Troy Rike.

Silva and the Warriors, riding high from their triumph at the BK Invitational in Chinese Taipei, also go under scrutiny against a beefed up Fighting Maroons side that finally unleashes top recruit Bright Alkhueti after his residency period.  

The Top 4 squads of last season, led by holders Ateneo, hit the MOA court on Sept. 9.

The Tab Baldwin-coached Blue Eagles, fresh from their acclaimed showing in the Jones Cup, kick off their title defense against Franz Pumaren and the Adamson Falcons at 4 p.m.

Rebuilding La Salle, with Louie Gonzalez at the helm, plunges into action against Far Eastern U in an explosive match-up at 12 noon.

To drum beat the coming season, the UAAP held the “Last One Standing” One on One Hoop Challenge yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.