Defending champion University of the Philippines takes on struggling University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons are a far different team from the squad that dropped the first-round match against the Growling Tigers, 67-87.
After starting the season 0-2, UP won six of its last seven games to seize solo second behind league-leading National University (8-2).
UST, which won five of their first six games, have dropped three straight and are looking to stay in the fight for a semifinal spot.
The Tigers suffered a 96-97 overtime loss to Adamson last week, blowing an eight-point lead late in regulation.
Still, UP coach Goldwin Monteverde remains wary of UST.
‘They’re a very competitive team. For us, we always focus on ourselves first, on what we need to improve. Of course, we prepare for every team the same way, and UST is no different. What’s important for us right now is to concentrate on our own game first, then slowly work our way toward preparing for UST.’
At 5-4, the Growling Tigers hold a half-game lead over the Falcons in the race for the last spot in the semifinals.
Ateneo, running sixth with a 4-5 record and just a game behind UST, will aim to snap a five-game skid when it takes on winless University of the East at 2 p.m.