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UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST begins its title campaign against University
of Santo Tomas when the 71st season of the University Athletics
Association of the Philippines (UAAP) kicks off Saturday at the
Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors, losing finalists to the De La
Salle Green Archers last year, meet the Season 69 champion Growling
Tigers at 4 p.m.
With the exit of Mark Borboran, Jorel Canizares,
Mark Fampulme and Kelvin Gregorio, the Warriors will have to bank on
their speed, experience and deep bench.
Marcy Arellano will banner the Recto-based
cagers with support coming from Pari Llagas, Elmer Espiritu, Paul
Lee and Hans Thiele.
The Red Warriors are upbeat about their chances,
having won the Filoil-Flying V Invitational tournament and finishing
second in the Nike Summer League.
The Growling Tigers, however, are not looking
good at the moment with Francis Allera, Dylan Ababou, Badong Canlas,
Allein Malicsi and Cruz, all nursing injuries.
But before Coach Pido Jarencio thinks of winning
games, he wants his players to get better first.
“Ang main concern ko hindi ‘yung record eh,
kung hindi ‘yung paggaling ng players,” Jarencio said. “Ang
sakin lang maging healthy sila tapos tingnan natin kung saan kami
pupunta.”
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University and Adamson
University square off at 2 p.m.
Rookie Robert Kave, a former Papua New Guinea
Under 19 national team member, will join Mac Baracael, Benedict
Fernandez and JR Cawiling for the Tamaraws, considered as the most
cohesive team in the tournament.
But Adamson coach Leo Austria believes that with
an impressive showing in the preseason led by Jerick Canada, Paul
Gonzalgo and Rey Gorospe, the Falcons will not be underestimated
this season.
Host University of the Philippines, which is
celebrating its Centennial Year, has prepared a simple yet elegant
opening ceremony carrying this year’s theme “Filipino Leadership
through Sports Excellence” at 1 p.m.
-- Krista Angela Montealegre
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