University of the Philippines and University of the East, definitely playing stronger than a lot had expected, face Ateneo and Adamson, respectively, at the Araneta Coliseum.
The UP Maroons and the Blue Eagles collide at 2 p.m in a physical matchup while the UE Warriors and the Falcons meet at 4 p.m. in a running battle.
The Maroons fell short of the Final Four last year but are tipped to do better this year. They won their first three games before losing to the Warriors only last week.
The Blue Eagles, on the other hand, are on a roller-coaster ride under new coach Norman Black. They’ve lost twice in four games in what could be their worst start in years.
With former coach Sandy Arespacochaga, Ateneo posted a seven-game sweep of the first round last year only to crumble in the second, going 3-4 and failing to land in the finals.
But despite their 2-2 start this year, Ateneo cannot be taken for granted, considering that their two losses so far came against strong teams like FEU and La Salle.
The Green Archers also had a 2-2 start and went above .500 with a 20-point win over Santo Tomas the other day. An Ateneo win will force a tie between the two arch-rivals.
Behind its running game, UE has gone 3-1, counting victories over National University, La Salle and UP with its only loss so far being dealt by FEU.
The Falcons are sporting a 2-2 record and are definitely trying to prove something under rookie coach Mel Alas.
The Tamaraws look invincible with its 5-0 record and moved two wins away from a first-round sweep last Thursday after dealing the NU Bulldogs a severe beating.