INQUIRER Sports

ATENEO COACH NORMAN BLACK sees a new challenge in the University of the East when his Blue Eagles shoot for a second straight triumph in the UAAP men’s basketball competition.

“It’s a completely different ballgame [compared to Far Eastern University],” said Black after the Eagles pulled off a 63-59 escape against the tournament favorite Tamaraws.

“UE is a smaller team, but they’re quick and fast. So it’s going to be a different matchup as far as defense goes, but we’ll be up for the task.”

The defending champion Eagles, boasting a solid core led by reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, take on the dangerous Warriors at 4 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Two other opening-day winners vie for an early 2-0 record as University of Santo Tomas and National University clash in the first game at 2 p.m.

“They have a free flowing offense,” Black assessed of the Warriors, who stunned last year’s runner-up La Salle in a 65-46 blowout last Saturday.

“They don’t really have much structure to their offense. But they seem to have good spacing, which means they allow their players to utilize their individual talents.You see Paul Lee doing a lot of penetrating and just creating on his own.”

Lee, the 6-foot guard expected to lead the Warriors this season, took charge in the opener with 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

“I will always stick to him,” UE coach Lawrence Chongson admitted. “When the chips are down, he had carried us to a lot of wins, especially in the PBL.”

But Chongson, the only new mentor this season, said the Warriors remain as the overwhelming underdogs.

“Height-wise alone, they have the advantage; they have the championship experience,” said Chongson.

“The biggest problem with UE is how to deal with their quickness and their speed,” said Black.“Of course there’s also [big men Elmer] Espiritu and [Pari] Llagas who’ll create problems for us.”

While Al-Hussaini carried the Eagles in the final stretch, the trio of Eman Monfort, Nico Salva and last year’s top rookie Ryan Buenafe provided a big lift early.

Khasim Mirza, who had 23 points in the Tigers’ thrilling 76-75 squeaker over the Adamson Falcons last Saturday, will be UST’s chief gunner anew.

“As long as we stick to the game plan, we’ll be OK,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio, who will also bank on Dylan Ababou and Clark Bautista.