UAAP basketball is finally here!
The UAAP men’s basketball tournament is set to kick off on Saturday, September 30.
All eyes will be on the teams as they look to bring home the title to their respective universities. Of course, there are also those players to watch out for in the season.
If there’s one thing about the UAAP, it’s that the league never runs out of storylines that fans are waiting to unfold.
From revenge games to rivalries old and new, this year’s UAAP schedule has some intriguing dates littered throughout.
Here’s a quick look at five must-watch games this season.
1. Adamson vs UST (October 4)
The UST Growling Tigers’ lone win from Season 85 came during their first game of the tournament versus the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
In their second match during the second round, UST also came close to beating Adamson if it weren’t for a late-game collapse by the team from España Boulevard.
Can the Nic Cabanero-led Growling Tigers upset the Soaring Falcons once more? This should prove to be another exciting match-up this Season 86.
2. Ateneo vs DLSU (October 4)
When thinking about UAAP rivalries, the Ateneo Blue Eagles versus the De La Salle Green Archers is definitely the most prominent one.
The two have had some exciting battles over the years and this Season 86 should be no different.
When it comes to school pride, Ateneo and La Salle will always go at it no matter what.
3. DLSU vs UP (October 18)
Should we call this a “Battle of Favorites” in Season 86?
The UP Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers are arguably the favorites to bring home the crown.
DLSU looks like a completely new squad under coach Topex Robinson, while UP is still the well-oiled machine that they are.
The two already faced each other in the final of the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, with the Fighting Maroons taking home the title.
Battles between the two squads have always been close and this year could be the most exciting of them all.
4. NU vs ADU (October 21)
We’ll call this one the “Battle of Dark Horses.”
The NU Bulldogs and the Adamson Soaring Falcons can and will definitely surprise some fans with their play. Given the talent and depth they have on their squads, they can easily challenge for the title as well.
When these two teams meet, it will surely be must-watch basketball given the intensity these two play with.
5. Ateneo vs UP (October 22)
Last but definitely not the least—the “Battle of Katipunan.”
The two have met each other in the last two UAAP finals—and some could say that this season could end with the two battling it out once more for the title.
The Blue Eagles will look to defend their crown, but the Fighting Maroons, led by reigning MVP Malik Diouf, will have something to say about that.
Whenever UP and Ateneo are facing one another, the intensity both on and off the court is at another level—making this a must-watch game for all UAAP fans.
Just missed the cut: FEU vs UE (October 7)
The rivalry between the FEU Tamaraws and the UE Red Warriors has its origins dating back to the 1950s. Both teams take great pride in their impressive basketball championship records, with FEU having won 20 titles and UE securing 18 championships.
Of course, times have changed as of late, but that can’t knock away the historical rivalry between the two teams.
Watch all these games and more from the UAAP Season 86 in the Pilipinas Live app.
(CF)