Photos by Javier Lobregat
UAAP Season 81 opened on Sept. 8 with the presentation of the eight teams, performances by James Reid and Minzy, and the athlete oath taking led by Stephen Curry. Later in the afternoon, the season’s opener saw the UP Fighting Maroons gaining a 29-point lead against the UE Red Warriors to draw first blood in the first round. UP’s Juan Gomez de Liano and Bright Akhuetie were hailed players of the game. Meanwhile, the second game of the day saw NU Bulldogs’ Troy Rike and the Ildefonso brothers lead an impressive rally against the UST Growling Tigers, notching a five-point victory, 75-70.