Maroons, Falcons face struggling foes

MANILA, Philippines — Opposites collide as surging squads UP and Adamson duel with struggling teams UE and La Salle, respectively, in the 82nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City today.

At solo second spot with a 3-1 slate, the Fighting Maroons look to further boost their stock versus the Red Warriors (1-3) at 2 p.m. before the third-running Falcons (3-2) and slumping Green Archers (1-3) slug it out at 4 p.m.

The Maroons, bolstered by the arrival of prized recruit Kobe Paras, set out for battle as the heavy favorites coming from back-to-back triumphs, the last an 80-79 squeaker over NU Wednesday.

The high-flying Paras sizzled with 25 points in that win with other key players Bright Akhuetie, Jun Manzo, Juan and Gomez De Liano, and Ricci Rivero putting in help as the Maroons continued to sparkle.

But despite their streak, coach Bo Perasol reminded his wards not to lower their guards against the UE squad coming from an 89-88 upset of La Salle.