Eagles test Blazers in ‘showdown’

Ateneo hopes to ride the momentum of its recent UAAP triumph as it clashes with this year’s NCAA runner-up St. Benilde today at the start of the UAAP-NCAA Benefit Games, dubbed "The Showdown for Bantay Bata 163," at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles collide with the Blazers at 2 p.m., opening their campaign for a third title this year after their title conquests in the Philippine Basketball League Chairman’s Cup and the 65th UAAP season.

"This is an entirely different ballgame because you will be playing not only against the same teams you played in the UAAP but also the best squads from the NCAA," said Ateneo mentor Joel Banal.

Wesley Gonzalez, Larry Fonacier, Enrico Villanueva, Jeck Chia, LA Tenorio, Rich Alvarez, Sonny Tadeo, Chris Quimpo and Andrew Cruz are expected to carry the fight for Ateneo.

Reigning NCAA MVP Sunday Salvacion is a doubtful starter for St. Benilde. Reports said the prolific forward might opt to play for Montana Pawnshop in a CBL-PBL duel in Cebu City starting tomorrow.

The Santo Tomas Tigers and the Philippine Christian University Dolphins play at 4 p.m.

Other participating teams in this 18-day event held for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village, a haven for abused kids, are La Salle, reigning NCAA champions San Sebastian, University of the East and Jose Rizal.

Mike Cortez and his La Salle teammates pit their skills against the Stags and the Warriors test their mettle against the Heavy Bombers tomorrow also at the Big Dome.