ATENEO de Manila faces Adamson University, and National University (NU) takes on University of the East (UE) on opening day of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on September 9 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Season host Far Eastern University (FEU) bared in earnest the men’s basketball schedule with the Blue Eagles, last season’s runners-up, and Soaring Falcons taking the floor in the main game at 4 p.m.
Jamike Jarin debuts as head coach in a UAAP men’s tournament with the Bulldogs, who will square off with the Red Warriors at 2 p.m.
De La Salle opens defense of the crown against FEU on the next day at 4 p.m., also at the MOA Arena. University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas face each other also on September 10 at 2 p.m.
The Ateneo-De La Salle first-round match is set on October 8 at the MOA Arena.
The Green Archers won last year’s crown by sweeping the Blue Eagles in the best-of-three championship series. They won Game One, 67-65, and clinched the title in Game Two, 79-72.
De La Salle will be without Jeron Teng, who has completed his five playing years in the UAAP, but reigning Most Valuable Player Ben Mbala would be back to dominate the shade under sophomore Coach Aldin Ayo.