Maroons, Eagles seek 2-0 cards vs worthy foes

MANILA, Philippines — After hanging on to scrappy wins on opening day, heavy favorites University of the Philippines and Ateneo seek smoother performances against separate counterparts today in the UAAP Season 85 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Fighting Maroons (1-0) test the mettle of host Adamson (0-1) at 1 p.m. while the Blue Eagles (1-0) star in the main event at 6:30 p.m. against National U (1-0).

At 11 a.m., University of the East (0-1) and Far Eastern U (0-1) shoot for a first win while Santo Tomas (1-0) guns for another upset against La Salle (0-1) at 4:30 p.m.

UP had to dig deep against La Salle to pull off a 72-69 win from a 10-point deficit last Saturday while Ateneo needed a similar resolve to buck a slow start against FEU, 79-70.

While first-game jitters as the defending champion played a part in that UP win, coach Goldwin Monteverde called on his wards not to commit the same mistakes against a very capable Adamson squad.

“Maybe because that’s our first game but it should not be a reason to play like that. It’s good that we never gave up but we still have a lot of things to improve on,” said Monteverde as UP duels with Adamson, which absorbed a 69-60 upset from Santo Tomas.

“Wala pang champion sa Season 85 so we need to work harder for that goal. ‘Yun ang tinatrabaho namin. Mahaba pa ‘yung liga para masabi but we’re working hard for that goal,” added Carl Tamayo after unloading 18 points and 19 rebounds against La Salle.

Ateneo, the former three-time champion, preaches the same mindset ahead of an expected gritty duel against Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup champion NU.