TO be the champs, you got to beat the champs.
University of Santo Tomas will take the first step in doing so, attempting to capitalize on its homecourt advantage when it opens its UAAP Season 88 men's basketball campaign against reigning titlist University of the Philippines at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
There will be no room for excuses for this season's hosts even as lead playmaker Forthsky Padrigao serves his one-game suspension in the 4:30 p.m. game.
READ: Padrigao to sit out UST season opener vs UP owing to suspension
"Every game is important for us and we got to play our best no matter what kasi may goal kami na gustong ma-accomplish," said team captain Nic Cabanero, as the boys of coach Pido Jarencio unveils foreign student-athlete Collins Akowe in black-and-gold.
That, however, is easier said than done, especially against the Fighting Maroons.
Despite the roster turnaround, the Diliman side still boasts of continuity all thanks to coach Goldwin Monteverde's 'Maroon 5' core with Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, and Terrence Fortea counted on to take the lead.
READ: With hearts of Gold, UP's 'Maroon 5' takes stage for last time
Noy Remogat also makes his UAAP comeback after serving his redshirt year, reinforcing State U's claim as the league's top dogs.
NU, UE clash
National University and University of the East play in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser with both teams looking for a good start to their season.
'OGs' Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala will shoot for a late birthday gift in form of a win for Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa, while the Red Warriors brandish their new era with coach Chris Gavina calling the shots.
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