The Battle of Katipunan has become one of the most intense UAAP rivalries as of late.
Here we go again!
Arguably the biggest UAAP rivalry in recent history—the Ateneo Blue Eagles versus the UP Fighting Maroons—will see another chapter unfold, surely in front of thousands of fans rooting hard for their school of choice.
The two teams have taken over the league over the past couple of years as they’ve met each other in the finals thrice in the last four UAAP seasons.
On October 22, UP and Ateneo will face each other once more.
But while the circumstances are different this time around, expect another crazy, intense, and well-played match between the two teams. What's new, right?
With that in mind, let’s check out how the last five matchups between UP and Ateneo played out.
1. December 19, 2022
Game 3 of UAAP Season 85 Finals
Ateneo (75), UP (68)
Following a one-season hiatus from dominating UAAP men's basketball, the Blue Eagles climbed back to the mountaintop after outlasting the Fighting Maroons in a thrilling Game 3, 75-68, that had all the makings of a classic winner-take-all.
Ange Kouame concluded his illustrious career with Ateneo, taking home the Finals MVP award after finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocksto help the Blue Eagles clinch the title.
2. December 14, 2022
Game 2 of UAAP Season 85 Finals
Ateneo (65), UP (55)
The Blue Eagles forced the winner-take-all Game 3 after an impressive outing versus the Fighting Maroons in Game 2 of the Finals, winning 65-55.
Ateneo took control from the get-go and countered every UP rally during the match.
The injury to high-flying, do-it-all swingman Zavier Lucero, however, proved to be the difference not only for this game but for the series.
3. December 11, 2022
Game 1 of UAAP Season 85 Finals
UP (72), Ateneo (66)
It looked like the Fighting Maroons were on their way to back-to-back championships after their masterful performance in Game 1 of the UAAP men's basketball finals.
Lucero played a pivotal role in this title opener, contributing 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. JD Cagulangan, on the other hand, added 12 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in the victory.
4. November 26, 2022
Second round of UAAP Season 85
Ateneo (75), UP (67)
Thanks to their 75-67 victory over the Fighting Maroons, the Blue Eagles were able to secure the all-important twice-to-beat advantage heading into the Final Four.
Call this game as well as the Dave Ildefonso show as he led Ateneo with 15 points, 12 coming in the third quarter, alongside seven rebounds.
It was also in this game where Ildefonso and former UP big man Henry Galinato had a bit of a scuffle, adding even more fuel to the fire for both teams.
RELATED STORY: Built to win: How UP and Ateneo assembled powerhouse squads
5. October 16, 2022
First round of UAAP Season 85
UP (76), Ateneo (71)
Ateneo and UP’s first game in Season 85 should have been an indicator of how close these matches would be between the two squads.
It took overtime for the Fighting Maroons to separate themselves from the Blue Eagles as they continued their mastery over Ateneo from the previous season.
Then again, it was Ateneo that got the last laugh at season's end.
As a new chapter between UP and Ateneo unfolds on Sunday, one thing’s for sure: Both teams are going to give it their all. Oh, and they might meet again later on with higher stakes.
(MDB)