Eagles, Maroons rekindle rivalry

MANILA, Philippines — And the Katipunan rivals meet again.

Defending champion University of the Philippines and Ateneo, the two heavy favorites and last season’s finals protagonists, figure in a highly-anticipated rematch in UAAP Season 85 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Only four months following their iconic finale duel in Season 84, the Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles open another chapter in the “Battle of Katipunan” rivalry with the UAAP lead on the line at the tailend of the first round of eliminations.

UP and Ateneo are locked at 3-1 for a joint lead with league revelation National U – setting the stage for an fiery battle at 4:30 p.m.

UP last summer captured its first UAAP title in 36ers years in nail-biting fashion, ending Ateneo’s reign in the process.

“We’re going up against the league favorites. Rather than being a classic, it’s probably gonna be more of a dog fight and that’s okay,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin.

Meanwhile, Schonny Winston uncorked 23 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and five steals as La Salle barged back into the win column at the expense of listless Far Eastern U, 87-70.

La Salle improved to 3-2 while FEU fell to 0-5.

Later, NU edged Adamson, 58-54, and at 4-1 moved ahead of UP and Ateneo, tied at 3-1.