UAAP’s 74th season starts with the green and gold FEU Tamarraws pitting up against the green DLSU Archers, comprised of new faces. It was an exciting ball game, with leads scoring exchanging every minute until the Tams takes over by the third quarter, and eventually takes down the Archers with 74-65.

It was a slow start for RR Garcia and FEU, and it was DLSU’s feared defense and rebounding prowess that sent the Tams trailing for the first half. Thanks to veterans JayR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos, the Tams didn’t trail too far behind to rally behind a now composed Garcia who finally sinks his threes at the third quarter. DLSU never recovered despite attempts from new comer Arnold Van Opstal to revive his team.

FEU 74 – Garcia 21, Ramos 16, Cawaling 10, Cruz 9, Romeo 6, Bringas 5, Tolomia 3, Escoto 2, Exciminiano 2, Sentcheu 0, Pogoy 0, Knuttel 0.

La Salle 65 – Revilla 18, Dela Paz 9, Tampus 8, Van Opstal 5, Webb 5, Torres 4, Marata 4, Andrada 4, Gotladera 2, Vosotros 2, Atkins 2, Villanueva 1, Mendoza 1, Sara 0, Paredes 0.

The second match brought in two predator birds in one familiar cage, the Ateneo Blue Eagles versus the Adamson Falcons. The Eagles had a strong start, and the 7-footer Greg Slaughter made his presence felt. After the first quarter, the match turned into a very slow ball game with Ateneo winning with 55-51.

“Our defense picked up last two minutes and we limited them to seven points the entire 4th quarter. That’s the reason we won the game,” said ADMU coach Norman Black.

Ateneo 55 – Slaughter 23, Long 10, Salva 8, Monfort 6, Erram 3, Gonzaga 3, Austria 2, Ravena 0, Tiongson 0, Sumalinog 0, Golla 0, Chua 0.

AdU 51– Nuyles 11, Alvarez 8, Cañada 6, Camson 6, Cabrera 6, Manyara 5, Lozada 3, Etrone 2, Brondial 2, Colina 2