Tigers eye rebound, battle Archers; grieving Blue Eagles make debut
University of Santo Tomas started UAAP Season 89 the same way it ended last season, with a loss to University of the Philippines.
This time, however, the Tigers are not packing their bags. They’re rolling up their sleeves and getting ready to bounce back from that 92-65 defeat to the Maroons.
The Wednesday doubleheader kicks off with debuting Ateneo and University of the East, who tangle at 3 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena.
All eyes will be on the Eagles, who will compete this season under the shadow of tragedy following the drowning deaths of their two student-athletes—Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili—in a training activity in Aurora province.
Ateneo’s participation this season has been a polarizing issue for fans.
“We don’t expect to win every game,” sophomore wing Amiel Acido told the Inquirer at Smart Araneta Coliseum after the game. “The important thing for us is to stick together in wins and losses.”
“We have a strong bond here now. We lift each other up and help each other off the court. That is huge for us. Hopefully we fix our mistakes in the next games and be more aggressive.”
The patch-up job will be put to test on Wednesday, when UST faces a La Salle squad riding the momentum of an opening-day victory.
The defending champions showed just how deep they could be this tournament, with newcomer Joaquin Tovera making like a microwave and leading the Taft-based school past dangerous National University.
The Gilas Youth standout turned in 22 points that went with three steals.
