WILL it be the biggest test this early in the season for defending two-time champion Nazareth School of National University?
That will be known when the Bullpups battle the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws on Sunday, Feb. 5, in the 85th UAAP juniors’ tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The match pitting the combatants in the Big Dance of the last cage wars in 2020 is set at 11 a.m. after Adamson High School clashes with Ateneo High School in the curtain-raiser at 9 in the morning.
University of Santo Tomas faces University of the East at 2 p.m. before University of the Philippines Integrated School takes on La Salle Zobel at 4 o’clock.
The wards of NSNU coach Kevin De Castro are armed with a 78-62 thrashing of the Junior Fighting Maroons two days ago that hiked their mark to 6-0 and 33-0 since 2018.
The likes of Reinhard Jumamoy, RJ Colonia, Aga Clarito, and Pervi Timbang will be counted upon by the Bullpups in their bid to complete a first-round sweep.
“Marami kaming kailangang improvements sa defense naming,” FEU-D tactician Allan Albano said after his team turned back the Tiger Cubs 79-69 and improved to 5-1. “Pero I congratulate pa rin iyong mga players na sa dulo, sumunod sila sa Plan B namin.”
The Baby Tams will lean on JR Pasaol, VJ Pre, Luke Felipe, Cabs Cabonilas, and Kirby Mongcopa.
The Baby Falcons whipped the Junior Red Warriors 87-52 last Wednesday that raised their card to 5-1.
Peter Rosillo and Vince Reyes will be counted upon by Adamson.
The Blue Eagles are raring to make up for a 65-70 setback at the hands of the Junior Archers two days ago.
LeBron Nieto and Thirdy Ebdane will lead the way for Ateneo in its attempt to improve its 2-4 slate.
