Rejuvenated FEU meets fast-rising Ateneo

By Josiah Albelda Posted Aug 28th 2013

They may have traded nice words leading up to this much-awaited clash. But when play begins, don't expect Kiefer Ravena and Terrence Romeo to be friends on court.

League-leading Far Eastern University and reigning champs Ateneo de Manila University lock horns in what is tipped to be a titanic clash in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Both squads are fresh off victories just last Sunday, with the Tamaraws needing 50 minutes to dispose University of the East and the Blue Eagles simply outclassing Adamson University.

After prominently figuring in their wins, Ravena and Romeo exchanged pleasantries in the run-up to their battle but are expected to go all out from the get-go.

Ravena has been quickly recovering from an injury that sidelined him at the start of the season and poured 18 points and starred in the clutch as Ateneo registered its fourth straight win.

Meanwhile, Romeo bounced back from two sordid outings and scattered a career-best 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals as FEU survived the Red Warriors in two overtimes, 98-94.

However, when the Eagles and Tamaraws collide today, it won't be just Ravena and Romeo who are tipped to hog the limelight.

Ryan Buenafe, who's delivered the most memorable games of his UAAP career against FEU, will be looking to reprise the 29 points and 15 rebounds he tallied in their first round loss to the Tamaraws.

On the other hand, the Morayta-based squad will be welcoming back former MVP RR Garcia, who missed their win over UE due to a suspension.