That time of the year again.
Emerging contender and this year's UAAP host NU Bulldogs bared their fangs and continued the strong performance they showcased in the preseason, thrashing the UE Red Warriors 90-55 in the first game held at the brand spanking new Mall of Asia Arena. UE though has put the game under protest, citing that Emmanuel Mbe (who only played in the 2nd half, missing the 1st half because of a defective jersey) played with an apparently equally defective pair of shorts which lacked certain sponsor's logos.
The second game between the FEU Tamaraws and the UST Growling Tigers was more of a thriller, with the Tams sneaking away with a come-from-behind 73-72 victory. UST, considered one of the darkhorses this season, proved to live up to the billing as they held on to the lead for most of the game before RR Garcia donned the hero's cape, scoring the go-ahead basket for FEU after a Jeric Fortuna turnover. UST was led by big man Karim Abdul in the scoring and rebounding departments while Garcia led the Morayta-based side.