Fierce Rivals Ateneo, La Salle Collide July 24

The highly-anticipated match up between fierce rivals Ateneo and La Salle will take place two weeks after the opening the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines.

The Eagles and the Archers, whose rivalry helped shape up the popularity of basketball in the country, take center stage on July 24 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The match begins at 5 p.m. right after the first game between University of the East and National University at 12 n.n., according to the official schedule released by host school De La Salle Tuesday.

Just like in the previous season, tickets for the Ateneo-La Salle clash will be sold separately to allow more people to watch the game.

The Archers will see action in the scheduled season-opening double header against the up-and-coming University of the Philippines Maroons at 2 p.m. at the Big Dome.

University of Santo Tomas tests the mettle of last season’s runner-up University of the East at 4 p.m.

The Eagles face an acid test when they start their title retention bid against the perennial UAAP contender Far Eastern University Tamaraws the day after.

The Tamaraws parade an intact line up led by Smart Gilas players JR Cawaling and the shot blocking Aldrech Ramos and pose a serious threat against the Eagles.

The Eagles square off with the Adamson Falcons on July 15 at the PhilSports Arena then take on the UST Tigers on July 18 before going up against the Archers.

FEU faces UE on July 22 at the Big Dome before battling UP on July 25 and La Salle on July 29 at the Araneta Coliseum and PhilSports Arena, respectively.

Ateneo battles UP on August 5 before finishing the first round against UE in a rematch of last season’s finale on August 8.

Aside from the Araneta Coliseum, games will also be held at the PhilSports Arena and The Arena in San Juan. -

Rey Joble, GMA News TV