Madrid gains more time to work with Maroons

NEW University of the Philippines coach Rey Madrid gained more time to work with the Maroons following the UAAP’s cancellation of today’s games at Mall of Asia Arena.

Madrid was supposed to debut with the Maroons—just three days after the resignation of Ricky Dandan—in the 2 p.m. game pitting UP against the surging University of the East.

The 4 p.m. rematch of last season’s title showdown between defending champion Ateneo and University of Santo Tomas was also called off due to inclement weather.

Other basketball games in the women’s side today at MOA Arena and the juniors’ play at Blue Eagle Gym yesterday were also postponed.

League officials advised fans to hold on to their tickets as a new schedule will be announced soon.

Madrid, who joined the Maroons’ practice on Sunday along with assistants Poch Juinio and Ramil Cruz, tries to make the most out of the team’s extra days of preparation as UP vies to end a winless campaign.

In the early ’90s, Madrid also mentored the Maroons a few years after teaming up with PBA greats Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in the school’s last UAAP championship run in 1986.

Madrid gets his first test on Saturday when the Maroons take on the Green Archers, who just crashed into the top four with a 5-4 record, in a 2 p.m. battle at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

National University, half a game behind Far Eastern University at 6-2, tangles with UST in the second game at 4 p.m.