Eagles, Tigers collide

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

10:30 a.m. – Ateneo vs UST

12 noon – DLSU vs NU

4 p.m. – AdU vs UE

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo and Santo Tomas clash in a duel of unbeaten squads, disputing the early solo lead in the 82nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The Eagles and the Tigers stake their identical 2-0 win-loss slates as they slug it out at 10:30 a.m. to kick off a three-game bill that pits La Salle (0-1) versus NU (0-1) at 12 noon then Adamson (1-1) opposite UE (0-2) at 4 p.m.

With a young team with nine rookies, UST (2-0) has proved to be a revelation with its blowout wins over UE, 95-82 and top contender UP, 85-69.

 But coach Aldin Ayo plays down those wins. “We’re not thinking of it as a statement,” he said.

Ayo expects their path to get tougher especially against Ateneo. “Obviously, they are the best collegiate team. We will just try to stay close then we’ll go from there,” he said.