Far Eastern University displayed dominance in its debut, easily dispatching Ateneo de Manila University in a lopsided 2-0 affair to grab the solo lead in Group A of the 2024 UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament on Saturday at the Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University concluded the opening day tied for the top spot in Group B after scoring sweeps in their respective matches.
In Group A, the Tamaraws Esports seized the top spot after the National University Bulldogs delivered a clutch performance during a 22-minute Game 2 encounter against tournament favorites De La Salle University Viridis Arcus, forcing a 1-1 deadlock.
La Salle and National University are currently tied in second with one point each.
“Actually, hindi ko inexpect na kami mangunguna after Day 1 kasi sa group namin andun yung powerhouse na La Salle. Talagang nirerespeto din namin sila. Kahit di namin ineexpect, kahit papano masaya kami na nagtop 1 kami,” said FEU coach John Erwin Magno after Day 1’s surprising turn of events.
“We’re hoping na maging maganda yung momentum ng team at madala namin sa laban namin bukas.”
FEU, composed of Benedict Ablanida, Jordan Eder, Dashmielle Farin, Kevin Reyes, Micole Wage, and Paolo Sanchez, has no room to celebrate as it is set to face La Salle in tomorrow’s match, a series that will bring the winner one step closer to a playoff spot.
In Group B, the Teletigers Esports Club, featuring Arjohn Roxas, Wayne Valentino, Benjamin Lukban, Rammuell Belga, Angel Saliuan, and Jose Odfina, displayed a masterclass performance with a 10-minute Game 1 victory and a 12-minute conquest of the University of the East Zenith Esports in Game 2.
After a perfect start to their UAAP campaign, Teletigers coach Theo Ignacio looks forward to a more improved and cohesive performance from his squad, as they overcame debut jitters with flying colors.
“Masaya ako na nagawa nila yung mga pinlano namin and I do think na, first game is not always yung good basis kung paano sila maglalaro. Kasi pakiramdam ko that’s when you shake off a lot of things. Mas excited ako sa magiging performance nila bukas kasi yung ngayon maganda eh. So sana mas maganda pa bukas,” said Ignacio of their performance against UE.
The Adamson Falcons, represented by Kenneth Aliligay, Jayvee Buenviaje, John Rhyan Hernandez, Nicson Mendeja, Craig Otieco, and Louies Romasanta, closed out the opening day with a 2-0 sweep of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, tying the Teletigers on top of Group B.
Day 2 of the group stage will kick off on Sunday at 10:00 a.m., still at the same venue.
Ateneo earlier ruled the NBA2K tournament, while De La Salle captured the VALORANT crown.
