The UP Fighting Maroons take on win-hungry Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 second round.
Two teams with contrasting fates will meet on Wednesday as the UP Fighting Maroons take on their rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles in the second round of UAAP Season 87.
Despite taking a break on Saturday, November 2, in observance of All Souls’ Day, there won’t be any shortage of UAAP action as the race for the Final Four heats up with two spots already decided with UP and La Salle sealing their place in the semis.
Let’s take a look at the schedule for this week’s UAAP games.
October 30, 2024 (Wednesday) - Mall of Asia Arena
Adamson vs UE - 2:00 pm
The UE Red Warriors (6-3) will attempt to move closer to a spot in the Final Four, when they face the skidding Adamson Soaring Falcons (3-7) in the opening game of Wednesday’s double header at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Winning six of their last seven games, the Red Warriors look to continue their winning ways against the free-falling Soaring Falcons who are coming off another loss against the UP Fighting Maroons last weekend.
Though Precious Momowei and the Red Warriors are reaching their peak with the Final Four in full view, Monty Montebon and the Soaring Falcons are seeking to return to their winning ways as they find themselves in a tough five-game losing slump.
UP vs Ateneo - 6:30 pm
The UP Fighting Maroons (8-1) are already in the Final Four but will be determined to win against neighbors Ateneo (3-7) in the second edition of the Battle of Katipunan in the main game on Wednesday.
Fresh off another rivalry game against La Salle which ended in a loss, Jared Bahay will be looking to build momentum for Ateneo from his career-high outing against the Green Archers.
But the Fighting Maroons, who are regaining their groove with a two-game win streak, will attempt to finish business against Tab Baldwin’s Ateneo with a win that will strengthen their bid for the twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.
With fit-again JD Cagulangan stepping up last game, the Maroons are looking to once again dominate their UAAP Season 85 tormentors.
November 3, 2024 (Sunday) - UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
UE vs FEU - 12:00 pm
The UAAP returns to the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion with a battle of Final Four hopefuls in the UE Red Warriors and the FEU Tamaraws (3-7).
After a revelation game from FEU ace rookie Veejay Pre against the UST Growling Tigers last weekend, he’ll be hard-pressed to come out with another performance to keep FEU fighting for that semis spot.
The Red Warriors, assuming that they win their other game this week, might also have the chance to clinch a Final Four spot with a win over the Tamaraws.
With their last semis appearance coming as far back as 2009 where they also reached the finals, Wello Lingolingo and the rest of the Red Warriors will be pushing hard to get that spot.
UP vs NU - 3:30 pm
The NU Bulldogs’ dwindling Final Four hopes will face another tough test when they resume action against the UP Fighting Maroons in the second game at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
In the middle of a 3-game losing streak, NU will try to breathe life into their slim semis hopes with an upset win.
But the Fighting Maroons, who are seeking a semis advantage and are looking for momentum before facing La Salle next, will also be pulling out all the stops for another dominant win over the Bulldogs.
As teams jockey for position and Final Four spots, UAAP action will only bring more excitement and entertaining matchups as the second round goes into full swing.