UAAP first-round hoops schedule now out
IN preparation for the start of Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in two weeks’ time, the league has released the first-round schedule for its marquee men’s seniors basketball tournament.
To open on Sept. 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the University of Santo Tomas-hosted season will see the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and Adamson Soaring Falcons kick off things at 2 p.m. to be followed by the battle between the UST Growling Tigers and Ateneo Blue Eagles at 4 p.m.
The four other UAAP teams debut on the next play date on Sept. 7, with the National University Bulldogs facing off with the University of the East Red Warriors at the 2 p.m. opener while the defending champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws tangle with the De La Salle Green Archers at 4 p.m.
Season 78 finals protagonists FEU and UST reengage on Oct. 1. In winning the title last year, the Tamaraws got the better of the Tigers in three games, 2-1.
The always-blockbuster matchup between rivals Ateneo and La Salle, meanwhile, happens on Oct. 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Last season, the two teams split their elimination encounters.
FEU meets up with Ateneo in a rematch of their Final Four meeting in Season 78 on Sept. 14. UST versus NU, the other semifinalists last year, meet anew on Sept. 25.
“The Battle of Katipunan” between Ateneo and UP takes place on Sept. 28. The game will mark the first time now-Maroons coach Bo Perasol will be facing his former team, which he led to a Final Four appearance last year. Ateneo is now coached by Tab Baldwin.
University Belt neighbors UE and FEU engage on Sept. 18. But before that, the Red Warriors have a meeting with long-time rival UST on Sept. 10.
Season 78 tailenders Adamson and UP take their first crack at reigning champion FEU on Sept. 11 and Sept. 25, respectively.
Adamson versus UST and FEU against NU cap first-round action on Oct. 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The season opening will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3, ah the UST Plaza Mayor in front of the Main Building. The decision to separate the opening ceremonies and game day was made to give the players time to rest, organizers said.—