MAROONS OFF TO FLYING START

Host University of the Philippines finished what the Eraserheads, its iconic alumni band, started by declawing rival Ateneo, 77-61, to kick off its redemption tour with a bang in the UAAP Season 87 opener yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

- JOHN BRYAN ULANDAY

Drawing energy and inspiration from the legendary rock stars, the Fighting Maroons turned the jets on in the second quarter to build a double-digit lead then unleashed a gripping 10-2 start in the third for the telling blow on the Blue Eagles in Round 1 of the fabled "Battle of Katipunan." More than 12,000 fans witnessed the triumph that propelled UP, a finalist in the last three seasons, to a perfect start in its hosting rights and the ultimate goal of bringing back the crown to Diliman after a heartbreaking finale collapse against La Salle last season.