The UP Fighting Maroons are staying strong at the second spot as they face a struggling NU Bulldogs in the second round of UAAP Season 87
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons will face off against the National University (NU) Bulldogs in a high-stakes matchup for UAAP Season 87 on November 3, 2024, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With UP firmly in the race for a top seed and NU struggling at the bottom, this game brings contrasting stakes as the season nears its critical stages.
UP heads into this matchup riding high after a decisive 75-47 victory over their Katipunan rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
With a 9-1 record, UP sits in second place, trailing only the DLSU Green Archers, who lead the standings with a 10-1 record. A win over NU would further solidify UP’s position and bring them closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
In their last game, Francis Lopez delivered a standout performance with 20 points and five rebounds, while Quentin Millora-Brown added 11 points and 10 rebounds, contributing to the Maroons' balanced and effective attack.
Meanwhile, NU enters this game on a rough note, coming off a 74-58 loss to the UE Red Warriors. With a 2-8 record, the Bulldogs sit at the bottom of the standings, a stark shift from last season when they made the Final Four.
This season has seen the Bulldogs struggling without their import Mo Diassana, who was sidelined due to an injury in the Season 87 opener against DLSU. Fielding an all-Filipino lineup, NU has been unable to replicate last season's success and is now officially out of contention for a playoff spot.
The matchup will put UP's potent lineup against NU’s determined but undermanned squad.
While the Fighting Maroons look to solidify their Final Four advantage and build momentum heading into the postseason, NU will aim to play spoiler and close their season with pride.
For UP, another victory brings them closer to a potential top seed and twice-to-beat advantage, crucial as the Final Four approaches.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]