Bulldogs bare form, P3.6-B venue today

MANILA, Philippines - No longer the team its rivals used to run over, souped-up National University kicks off what many believe is a legit shot at the men’s basketball diadem on a season it is hosting in its own indoor arena.

The Bulldogs get the honor to flaunt their vaunted form early as they take on the University of the East Warriors at 2 p.m. today, right after the opening ceremony for UAAP Season 75 featuring the team captains in the league’s 28 events at the newly opened Mall of Asia Arena.

Highlight of the 12:30 p.m. rites will be a glitzy lights and sound show featuring the two wraparound LEDs inside the MOA Arena, a facility also owned by the NU’s owners, the SM Group.

“It’s always hard to play the first game – there are jitters then you’re also playing in a new arena,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano, whose wards look to make it to the Final Four after missing the bus by two wins last year.

“We have to overcome the distraction of the opening ceremonies, stay focused and be relaxed when we play our first game against UE,” he added.

Led by reigning MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (20 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season) and Emmanuel Mbe (20 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists), the Bulldogs come into the tourney oozing with confidence after a successful summer campaign that saw them sweep their way to the Filoil Flying V Pre-season crown.

But the Warriors of coach Jerry Codiñera will be no easy prey.

“We’ll go out there fighting and we’ll seize the opportunity if we get one,” said Codiñera, who will bank on Roi Sumang, Sam Razon, Adrian Santos, Ivan Hernandez, Erwin Duran and Chris Javier.

Two Final Four squads last year – runner-up Far Eastern U and fourth placer University of Santo Tomas – clash in an early duel of contenders at 4 p.m.

The Tams lost five players to graduation but continue to have deadly guards RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo and Michael Tolomia around with import Anthony Hargrove and Arvie Bringas joining Russel Escoto in front.

UAAP Notes: ABS-CBN Sports is expanding its coverage of the UAAP basketball games beginning today with all seniors matches to be aired live on free TV via UHF Channel Studio 23 and on Balls HD Skycable Channel 167... Games can also be viewed on The Filipino Channel (TFC) and on streaming on uaapsports.tv... ABS-CBN Sports will also show same-day primetime playback of the games on Balls Skycable Channel 34 on Thursdays at 9 p.m. and on Saturdays/Sundays at 8 p.m... Meanwhile, the Game of the Week will be aired on Studio 23 on Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. starting July 21 while the UAAP finals will be aired live on Channel 2 on Sept. 29.

“We still have a solid line-up, just not as strong as in previous years.  But we are competitive,” said Tams coach Bert Flores.

With the exception of Chris Camus, the Tigers bring back its 2011 squad led by holdovers Jeric Fortuna, Jeric Teng, Karim Adbul and Kevin Ferrer while reinstating Clark Bautista and Aljon Mariano after a year of absence.

 “We’re taking the same approach as last year, when we took the whole season one game at a time and luckily made it to the Final Four.  Like I said before, the other teams should watch out for us,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio.

Holder Ateneo jumpstarts its five-peat drive tomorrow also at the MOA Arena, taking on a rebuilding Adamson in the 4 p.m. main game after the maiden encounter between La Salle and University of the Philippines at 2 pm.