Ateneo starts title defense vs NU

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo opens its title-retention bid in an expected knife-edge duel with ever-pesky National U as host University of the East locks horn with the new-look Santo Tomas in the highly-anticipated opener of UAAP Season 86 today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The stage is set at 4 p.m. for the main event with the Blue Eagles eyeing a roaring start in their bid to ignite another dynasty.

The Blue Eagles won four of the last five UAAP crowns – with UP snatching one title in between – and though entering a new territory without long-time anchor Ange Kouame, still loom as the heavy favorites.

But head coach Tab Baldwin is toning down the expectation, especially with a young unit which he urges to focus on the Bulldogs first before thinking of any contender status.

“What I think any of the coaches think about who might be at the top or bottom of the league is irrelevant. It’s gonna sort itself out through the season. I completely pass on that question,” said Baldwin as he also deals with the departure of core players Dave Ildefonso, BJ Andrade and Forthsky Padrigao.

“The only team I’m worried about right now is NU in the opening game. We all know how tough NU is and we expect to get the brunt of it,” added Baldwin, tasking Kai Ballungay to lead the way with rookie Mason Amos.