The long-standing rivalry between La Salle and Ateneo highlights a full week of UAAP men’s basketball action.
Age-old rivals La Salle and Ateneo are set to meet for their second round encounter in UAAP Season 87 this week, as the league shifts back to its three game-day schedule before the month ends.
The latest chapter in the storied rivalry will pit the defending champion Green Archers, who are on a six-game win streak, against a rejuvenated Ateneo team that is coming off of back-to-back wins.
After a disastrous 1-6 slate in Round 1, the Blue Eagles have won both of their games in the second round so far and will be hard-strapped for a victory against their long-time foes.
Let’s take a look at the schedule for UAAP as the second round goes into full swing.
October 23, 2024 (Wednesday) - MOA Arena
Adamson vs Ateneo (3:30 p.m.)
Before going against their rivals La Salle, the Ateneo Blue Eagles (3-6) will first try to sweep their season series against the Adamson Soaring Falcons (3-6) as they open the hostilities for men’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After being their only win in Round 1, the Blue Eagles are looking to replicate their success with a more seasoned lineup this time around. With rising stars taking in the reps after the first half of the season, players like Jared Bahay, Kristian Porter, Andrew Bongo, and Shawn Tuano will now be armed with more experience against Adamson.
But the Soaring Falcons, steadied by Monty Montebon and Cedric Manzano, are looking hungry for a win as they are amidst a four-game losing skid.
UP vs UE (6:30 p.m.)
The UP Fighting Maroons (7-1) will be looking to move closer into a formal entry to the Final Four, taking on fellow contender UE Red Warriors (5-3) in the main game on Wednesday in Pasay City.
With rivals La Salle already in the Final Four, UP will be looking to follow suit as soon as they can. But the Red Warriors, who are fighting tooth and nail to keep themselves in the running for the semifinals, will be determined to stop the Maroons — one of the two teams who they fell to in the first round.
After seeing their five-game win streak snapped at the hands of La Salle, UE will be determined to get back on the winning track against another perennial contender.
October 26, 2024 (Saturday) - MOA Arena
UE vs NU (2:00 p.m.)
The NU Bulldogs (2-7) will be scraping for wins as they seek to keep their slim Final Four hopes alive when they face the UE Red Warriors in the prelude to Ateneo-La Salle on Saturday at the MOA Arena.
After suffering back-to-back losses to begin the second round, NU head coach Jeff Napa and his boys will hope to turn their fortunes around against a surging UE program. After taking the victory in the first round, the Red Warriors will push for a season sweep.
As teams lock in on their semifinal aspirations, both teams will be looking to push their campaigns in the right direction.
La Salle vs Ateneo (6:30 p.m.)
Compared to the first round, La Salle-Ateneo has the potential to be a more competitive match-up this time around as the Blue Eagles have found their rhythm in recent games.
Now the winners of back-to-back matches, the latest one being a road win against UST in España, Ateneo will strive to be a tougher competitor against their rivals in the main game on Saturday.
With a Final Four spot already assured for La Salle, the Blue Eagles might just catch Kevin Quiambao and the Green Archers on the back foot. But with a week-long rest, La Salle might just hit the ground running.
October 27, 2024 (Sunday) - MOA Arena
UP vs Adamson (3:30 p.m.)
The UP Fighting Maroons will seek to start strong against the Adamson Soaring Falcons, to avoid a repeat of the scare in Round 1 where last year’s runners-up needed to come back from a double-digit deficit.
But the Soaring Falcons, who are still continuing to push for a Final Four spot, will do good to take an upset over one of the big fishes in the UAAP.
The Fighting Maroons collide with the Soaring Falcons in the penultimate game of the weekend in Pasay City.
UST vs FEU (6:30 p.m.)
One of the more classic UAAP rivalries will be reignited as the UST Growling Tigers (4-6) take on the FEU Tamaraws (3-6) in the final game of the weekend.
A tale of two teams highlight this match up as the Growling Tigers are in the midst of a three-game losing streak, while the FEU Tamaraws have won three of their last four. It will be all about momentum when the two sides face off to close the week.
While UST hopes to continue to hold on to that fourth spot in the standings, the Tamaraws, now under a more experienced Sean Chambers in the UAAP, will seek to continue their much-improved run.