MANILA – After Typhoon Ondoy cancelled their supposed Game One meeting last Sunday, both the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors and the Ateneo Blue Eagles are more than eager to start their own storm when the 72nd UAAP men’s basketball Finals unfold Thursday.

Gametime is set at 3:30 p.m.

Both stalled in their preparation, the Warriors and the Eagles had contrasting experiences against Typhoon Ondoy.

The Warriors showed solidarity at the height of the storm while the Eagles were confronted with different ordeals.

UE coach Lawrence Chongson relayed to uaapsports.com that the whole team were on second floor of their practice facilities in Quiapo, Manila during the weekend.

“I asked them to bond together for two days and two nights before our (supposedly) game one meeting last Sunday.” Chongson said.

It turned out as a blessing in disguise as the team was spared by the wrath of Typhoon Ondoy unlike the Eagles, whose three players reportedly faced ordeals.

Blue Eagles Jai Reyes, Frank Golla and Chris de Chavez were trapped in their respective homes over the weekend.

Reyes, who resides in Riverside Village in Pasig City, stayed on the roof while his household members were trapped on the second floor as told by Ateneo alumnus and former UAAP TV anchor Mico Halili in his blog.

De Chavez’ ordeal, meanwhile, was reported in Ateneo de Manila University’s Facebook account. He, his brother Nico and a certain Norman Penola were trapped on the second floor of their Marikina City residence with no electricity and food. The same predicament faced Golla, who also lives in Marikina City.

The three Ateneo players are all safe now. However, as to how these incidents affected the team’s preparations remains unknown as of this writing. Ateneo coach Norman Black could not be reached for comment.

Chongson, on the other hand, sent a text message to uaapsports.com Monday afternoon relaying the team’s safety and the resumption of their practice.

“We’re practicing now. We prayed to God that everyone’s okay and we sympathize and condole with those who are suffering. But the show must go on and we are slowly redirecting our focus and energy to the daunting task this Thursday,” said Chongson.

Before Typhoon Ondoy moved the schedule, Black talked about on how the team addresses long breaks after disposing University of Sto. Tomas, 81-64.

“The first time we had a one week break was during Kobe Bryant’s tour. We were disrupted and we lost (to UP). Since then, we have managed long breaks very well,” said Black.

Black hopes history won’t repeat what happened in 2006 when Typhoon Milenyo caused delay in Season 69's UAAP Finals.

Ateneo won Game One on Doug Kramer’s last second basket before Milenyo stalled the series for more than a week. UST won Games Two and Three (in a thrilling overtime) to complete a Cinderella run.

Meanwhile, donation booths for Ondoy victims of will be stationed in all the gates of the Araneta Coliseum. ABS-CBN Sports in cooperation with Sagip Kapamilya Foundation will also put up donation booths in the red and green gates for the duration of the UAAP Finals. By Alder T. Almo

abs-cbnNEWS.com will also provide live updates of UAAP-Game One on Thursday.