Ateneo, UP prime up for rematch

Games today (Mall of Asia Arena)

10:30 a.m. – NU vs FEU

12:30 p.m. – UE vs Ateneo

4 p.m. – UP vs DLSU

MANILA, Philippines — Pacesetters Ateneo and UP press their drive to stay ahead of the pack when they tangle with separate foes today in the 82nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Living up to their lofty billings as the top favorites after their title clash last year, the unbeaten champion Blue Eagles and the second-running Fighting Maroons gun for much-needed win today before their anticipated rematch on Sunday to end the first round of the elims.

Ateneo (5-0) plays UE (1-4) at 12:30 p.m. followed by the 4 p.m. face-off between UP (4-1) and La Salle (2-3) in this Wednesday triple-bill that also pits winless NU (0-5) versus FEU (2-3) at 10:30 a.m.

But despite their spotless record after their 71-50 win against the Bulldogs over the weekend, Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin called on his wards not to rest on their laurel, saying UE is not an easy task.