Madrid debuts as UP head coach today in UAAP

Games today:

Smart-Araneta

2 p.m. – La Salle vs. UP

4 p.m. – UST vs. NU

THE NATIONAL University (NU) Bulldogs try to come closer to snatching first place in the standings while Rey Madrid makes his debut as new head coach of the beleaguered University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons today in the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs (6-3) face stiff opposition in their quest to reach the stumbling Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws as they will be taking on the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers (4-4) in the main game at 4 p.m.

NU is currently a game behind FEU (7-2) in the chase for the top seed heading to the Final Four.

Meanwhile, the Maroons (0-8) will be facing off against the streaking La Salle Green Archers (5-4) in the curtain-raiser at 2 p.m.

All eyes will be on Madrid, the newly appointed head coach of UP tapped to replace Ricky Dandan.

It will be an uphill climb for Madrid, who is tasked to turn a team that has won just three games in the last three years around.

La Salle will have a lot to say about today’s result as they aim for their fifth straight win and secure third place in the rankings./Correspondent Jonas Panerio