University of the East and University of Santo Tomas face off in an early clash of favorites while Adamson hopes to flaunt its form against Far Eastern U as the men’s basketball tournament gets under way at the Araneta Coliseum today.

The Warriors, out to atone for their shattering foldup last year, and the Tigers slug it out at 4 p.m., each hoping to start out strong for the momentum in a season billed to be tougher than the previous one.

The Falcons, who made quite an impression with solid performances in the pre-season tournaments, take on the Tams in the 2 p.m. opener of a twinbill kicking off the 71st season of the country’s most prestigious varsity league.

“We hope to do well this year,” said UE coach Dindo Pumaren, whose wards posted a rare 14-game sweep in the elims last year only to lose twice and the title to the La Salle Archers in the finals.

The Warriors are up against a team still reeling from the injuries of six players, including reigning league MVP Jervy Cruz (pulled hamstring) and Dylan Ababou (elbow).

“We couldn’t practice as a team because six of my players are still recovering from injuries,” said UST mentor Pido Jarencio.

That should boost the Warriors’ bid to start off with a win although a repeat of their feat last year remains unlikely what with a practically level playing field.

La Salle, for one, is out to defend the crown while Ateneo looks formidable with a tall lineup. The two teams collide early in the season tomorrow, also at the Big Dome.

The FEU-Adamson encounter also promises to be a match to watch.

“We lost to them in one pre-season tournament, so I guess this is our second game against each other,” said FEU coach Glen Capacio.

Meanwhile, elaborate opening rites will be held at 1 p.m. with the traditional parade of the eight participating teams to be graced by heads of schools including league president and State U chancellor Sergio Cao.

Marcy Arellano, Elmer Espiritu, Hans Thiele, Pari Llagas, James Martinez and Paul Lee are expected to lead the charge for a UE team seeking to end a long 23-year drought.

“We’re smaller this year because we lost some of our big players,” said Pumaren referring to Mark Borboran and Kelvin Gregorio.

“But we’re quicker and more aggressive now, that’s our main advantage,” he added.