GAMES THURSDAY (Philsports Arena)
2 p.m.—NU vs UE
4 p.m.—Ateneo vs Adamson

MANILA, Philippines—In nearly every way, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles seem like a tougher contender than the Adamson University Falcons in the 71st UAAP men’s basketball competition.

Yet coach Norman Black sees the opposite even after Ateneo’s ego-boosting triumph over chief rival De La Salle University in the opening weekend.

“Adamson is a very big team, a very confident team,” said Black of the Eagles’ 4 p.m. game against the Falcons at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“They’re well coached. We lost to them over the summer, so we’re expecting a very tough game.”

University of the East, last year’s runner-up, will also vie for a share of the early lead against National University at 2 p.m.

“We wanted to get off to a good start,” said Black of his Eagles, who subdued the defending champion Archers, 79-73, last Sunday.

“The earlier you get that first victory, the better off you’re going to be as far as confidence is concerned. The sad thing, though, is we’re happy [Sunday] but we have to worry about Adamson because it played very well against FEU (Far Eastern University).”

Behind Michael Galinato’s 22-point performance, the Falcons put up a tough fight before bowing to the FEU Tamaraws via a slim 74-71 decision last Saturday.

“We have no go-to guy, but everybody is working very hard as a team,” said Falcons coach Leo Austria. “I want them to understand the system we should run, and I think we’re getting there. We’re also developing their individual skills so it’s just a matter of time before we’ll be fluid.”

The Eagles will again turn to fifth-year guard Chris Tiu, who drew support from Eric Salamat and Rabeh Al-Hussaini in the end game against the Archers.

Elmer Espiritu stepped up for the Warriors by unloading seven straight points in a crucial stretch for a 78-73 victory over the University of Santo Tomas Tigers and is expected to lead UE anew.