Seeking a fresh start, UST gets a baptism of fire on Friday, May 17, as it takes on La Salle in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup.

It’s a much needed reboot for the Growling Tigers, with coach Pido Jarencio pumped to unveil his new-look squad bannered by former UAAP Mythical Team member Forthsky Padrigao.

But there’s more to uncover for UST, with new recruits Kyle Paranada, Leland Estacio, Chase Lane, and Ice Danting all raring to represent Espana.

“Magandang challenge ito para sa mga bata. Masasabi namin, gutom lahat ito kaya gusto rin namin silang masubukan kontra doon sa mga makakalaban namin,” said Jarencio ahead of the Growling Tigers’ 5 p.m. tiff in this tourney co-presented by Bostik El Heneral and ABC Tile Adhesive, and has Smart Sports, Strong Group Athletics, and Hanes as major sponsors.

For La Salle, it’s a question on how to bounce back after tasting a tough 89-77 loss to rival UP back in opening day last Saturday.

Compounding the woes for the Green Archers is Kevin Quiambao’s status, which is day-to-day after his fall late in that last game.

That puts more pressure on the shoulders of Mike Phillips and Jonnel Policarpio to carry the mantle for the reigning UAAP champions in this tilt supported by Tela.com Athletics as official outfitter and Molten as official game ball, as well as minor sponsors Reyes Barbecue, KFC, Brothers Burger, Wallem Philippines Shipping, Harbor Star Shipping Services, and Akari.

Also slated in this heavy five-game slate are the clash between debuting Arellano and JRU (0-1) at 9 a.m.; Perpetual (1-0) meeting Letran (0-1) at 11 a.m.; FEU kickstarting its Sean Chambers era vs. Adamson (0-1) at 1 p.m.; and LPU (0-1) and San Beda (1-0) locking horns at 3 p.m.

The Filoil Preseason will be broadcast live on the Filoil EcoOil Sports Facebook page and YouTube channels, as well as on Smart Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and Smart Livestream.