EXPECT the big men to rule today when Ateneo seeks its second-straight victory against Adamson in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 71 men’s basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena.

The Blue Eagles boast of five players who are at least six-foot-four, including Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Nonoy Baclao. Add to the tall cast sweet-shooting Chris Tiu, rookie Ryan Buenafe and Eric Salamat and the Blue Eagles have a formidable lineup on offense.

The Falcons are not lacking in size either, with five players also at least six-foot-four and Michael Galinato and Jan Colina at the forefront. Sophomore point guard Jerick Cañada handles the offense to support the Adamson big men.

Game time is at 4 p.m. after the first game between the University of the East and National University at 2 p.m.

The Red Warriors are fresh from a 78-73 victory over University of Santo Tomas, while the Bulldogs would be itching to redeem themselves after losing to University of the Philippines, 86-72, the Maroons’ first victory in almost two years.

The Blue Eagles, who beat archrival De La Salle, 79-73, Sunday, are looking forward to soaring over the Falcons.

“They are a big and confident team. They are very well-coached. We lost to them this summer so we expect a tough game,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

Adamson coach Leo Austria believes the Falcons, who lost to Far Eastern University (FEU), 74-71, on opening day Saturday, need more than height to win the game.

“We are also big but I think, experience-wise, they have the advantage. We almost won in our last game so we still need to have that winning attitude,” said Austria.

Tiu was impressive for the Blue Eagles against the Green Archers, scoring 26 points on 17-of-19 shooting from the free-throw line.

Galinato had a game-high 22 points for Adamson, who lost via a three-pointer by FEU’s Jens Knuttel in the dying seconds.

“I’m still satisfied dahil breaks of the game lang kaya kami natalo,” said Austria.

Gold for Filipino men’s trio

A RECORD-BREAKING performance by Raoul Miranda, Chester King and Frederick Ong propelled the Philippines to the men’s trios gold medal in the 20th Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships at the Hong Kong Bowling City in Hong Kong Wednesday.

J-Ro after British Open stint

THE idea of quitting and forfeiting the remainder of the season never crossed Jennifer Rosales’s mind. 

Cardinals too much for Altas

KELVIN de la Peña is the reason the Cardinals are surging and the Altas are skidding.

EXPECT the big men to rule today when Ateneo seeks its second-straight victory against Adamson in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 71 men’s basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena.

First Molina, now the team doctor

IN order for Manny Pacquiao to become the country’s flag-bearer in the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on August 8, the Filipino boxing sensation would have to “borrow” the accreditation card of one of the Philippine delegation’s doctors.

Knicks’ Rose at ‘Madness’

Malik Rose of the New York Knicks, the Sacramento Kings Dance Team and Rufus Lynx, the mascot of the Charlotte Bobcats, will host the grand finals of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Madness, presented by Coca-Cola, at Glorietta this Thursday until Sunday.

Part Of The Game: Finding the faith

WELCOME to the time of drums and yells and cheers and screams, and of “passions flowing like rivers to the sky.” Welcome to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)!