The UST Growling Tigers already matched their win total from last year, but if the España-based squad is serious about contending in UAAP Season 87, a showdown against the seemingly vulnerable NU Bulldogs can go a long way.
Time for a rebound.
Both coming off losses, the NU Bulldogs and UST Growling Tigers clash September 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams looking to gain momentum in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
NU, fresh off a Final Four appearance last season, has stumbled out of the gate with a 1-2 record.
While the Bulldogs’ two losses came against last year’s finalists, La Salle and UP, a 27-point drubbing at the hands of the Fighting Maroons have put a highlight on their struggles.
[Related: UAAP: Mark Belmonte, UP torch NU with 27-point beatdown for a 3-0 start in Season 87]
Nevertheless, a golden opportunity is presented to the Bulldogs who will be keen to turn things around and maintain their dominance over the Growling Tigers.
NU has won its last six meetings against UST, a streak that stretches back to Season 84.
UST, on the other hand, surprised many with a strong start to the season, winning its first two games which already matched last year’s win total.
However, the Growling Tigers hit a rough patch in their last outing, falling to the Adamson Falcons.
[Related: Adamson Soaring Falcons rally to send UST reeling to first loss in UAAP Season 87]
The Tigers will surely determined to show that their early success is not a fluke, as the NU game is the start of a three-game gauntlet of facing Season 86 Final Four teams, with La Salle and UP coming up.
A win by UST, while still early in the season, could further cement the team’s own Final Four hopes this year.
The Bulldogs and the Growling Tigers open another weekend of men’s collegiate hoops action, with tip off set for 4:30 p.m. at the Big Dome.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]