Defending champion UP renews its rivalry with league leader Ateneo as another installment of the “Battle of Katipunan” unfolds in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
UP is now the latest to get a chance of ending Ateneo’s perfect start as the Fighting Maroons tangle with the Blue Eagles in the first “Battle of Katipunan” of UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball, Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Game time is at 4:30 p.m.
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After dropping their first two games of the season, the Fighting Maroons have found their rhythm, coming off a gritty 66-59 victory over the NU Bulldogs.
Francis Nnoruka tallied 14 points and six rebounds as UP erased a 13-point deficit and leaned on tough defense to hand NU its first loss of the tournament.
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The victory lifted UP into a tie for fourth place with the De La Salle Green Archers at 2-2 in the eight-team standings.
Now slowly regaining its form, the Fighting Maroons brace for their Katipunan rivals in a marquee matchup between two heavyweights.
Last season, UP swept Ateneo in the elimination round en route to its second title in four years.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]