Unbeaten Ateneo faces its biggest test just yet, facing reigning champion University of the Philippines in the Battle of Katipunan while National U eyes to rebound against struggling Adamson in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Game time is at 5 p.m. with the Blue Eagles staking their clean 4-0 slate to protect pole position against the heating up Fighting Maroons, who are in a two-game winning run after a flat start. The Bulldogs meet the Falcons at 2 p.m.
Ateneo will march into the battle pit fresh from an 81-74 win against another rival La Salle, leading by as many as 33 points. It was a statement win after they missed the Final Four last season – a first under master tactician Tab Baldwin, who has guided them to four titles including a three-peat before the pandemic.
The Blue Eagles, who bled for a 4-10 slate in Season 87, try to surpass that tally in the first round alone. But it will be a tough one against the Fighting Maroons who have regained their groove after a listless start, warned Baldwin.