After a two-week postponement due to severe weather conditions, defending champion De La Salle University finally begins its UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title defense against last season’s runner-up University of the East on Monday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.
The Green Aces and the Red Warriors will open the tournament at 9:30 AM in the highlight of the six-match opening-day slate, with La Salle looking to begin its bid for a second straight crown on a winning note.
For Green Aces standout Joshua Tating, the title defense carries added significance as he enters his final year of UAAP eligibility, giving the La Salle senior one last opportunity to help steer the team to another championship.
“Ang mindset ko ngayong season is to just enjoy the game and play my very best to leave behind no regrets,” shared Tating, who also cautioned against complacency as the Green Aces bid for a back-to-back championship run.
“Kahit defending champion kami, rerespetuhin namin lahat ng kalaban namin and never namin i-u-underestimate kasi lahat sila naghahanda rin nang maigi para manalo,” said Tating.
While the two-week delay pushed back La Salle’s title defense, Tating believes the extra time ultimately worked in the Green Aces’ favor as they continued to adjust to the game’s new meta.
“Yung cancellations, malaking help talaga sa team kasi any amount of extra practice na makukuha namin is crucial sa amin, dahil sa bagong meta, so nangangapa pa kaming lahat and nagsasanay pa,” he said.
The additional preparation has also given La Salle greater confidence heading into the tournament, although Tating acknowledged that the true test of how well the Green Aces have adapted will only come once they face actual competition.
“Masasabi ko na mataas ang confidence namin na we’ll do well sa tournament dahil sa extra prep, since malaking tulong talaga siya sa amin na ma-kapag yung meta. Pero marami pa kaming matututunan and sa tournament na mismo namin siya malalaman,” Tating said.
“And then mag-a-adjust na lang kami mula doon.”
La Salle and UE headline Group A alongside National University and the University of Santo Tomas, while Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Adamson University, and Far Eastern University make up Group B.
Meanwhile, the resumption of the Valorant tournament will be announced later this week.
