University of the Philippines aims for its sixth straight win while University of the East shoots for its fourth when they battle separate foes in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With a week left before the first round ends, the Fighting Maroons (5-0) are expected to pour it all against the much-improved UST Growling Tigers (3-2) in their 4:30 p.m. showdown.
At 6:30 p.m., the Red Warriors (3-2), who are oozing with confidence with three straight victories, will be pitted against cellar-dwelling Ateneo Blue Eagles (1-4).
Carrying the lessons of their tight win against Adamson, UP head coach Goldwin Monterverde rallies his squad to do better against the dangerous UST side
“Knowing them now, compared to last year with a good program. They have materials to compete, sa’min siguro paghahandaan lang namin [sila] after reviewing this game [against Adamson],” said Monteverde.
Flaunting their talent-filled roster, the Fighting Maroons will rely on their backcourt aces in JD Cagulangan, Gerry Abadiano and Harold Alarcon, along with the high-flying Francis Lopez against the Tigers.
On the other hand, UST, which got humbled by reigning champion La Salle (5-1) last weekend, aims to bounce back and lean on its floor general Forthsky Padrigao, who leads the way for the Pido Jarencio-mentored team with the help of Nic Cabañero, Amiel Acido, Christian Manaytay and Mo Tounkara.
Maroons aim for 6th straight win; Warriors face Eagles
