Riding high after dispatching rivals DLSU, the Ateneo Blue Eagles seek to extend their perfect run against another fierce foe in defending champion UP in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament..
Ateneo seeks its first 5-0 start in three years when the no. 1 Blue Eagles figure in a highly anticipated first-round clash with defending champions UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Game time is at 4:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]
The Blue Eagles rolled to their fourth straight win to open the tournament with an 81-74 victory over rivals De La Salle.
Ateneo led by as many as 33 late in the third quarter and entered the final period with a commanding 68-38 advantage.
But the Green Archers staged a spirited comeback, scoring the first 19 points of the fourth quarter and continuing to threaten late before the Blue Eagles held on to secure the win.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Tab Baldwin insists Ateneo still has a lot to prove after near collapse vs La Salle]
Dominic Escobar fired 18 points while Kymani Ladi and Shawn Tuano combined for 30 points to lead Ateneo, which has now matched its win total from last season at four.
Against UP, the Katipunan-based squad aims for its first win over the Fighting Maroons since Season 85 and to continue its unbeaten start to the season.
(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.]