A determined UP Fighting Maroons will look to avoid being swept by the UST Growling Tigers in UAAP Season 88.
Jacob Bayla and the defending champion UP Fighting Maroons look to avenge their season-opening loss as they battle the UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, November 5.
Tip off is 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fighting Maroons (6–3) are determined to make a statement against the Growling Tigers, who handed them a stunning defeat to start the season.
Since then, UP has regained its championship form, winning six of its last seven games to climb to second place in the standings.
Bayla continues to thrive as a vital piece for the Fighting Maroons, coming off a strong all-around performance of eight points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block in their last outing.
With their deep rotation and renewed confidence, UP aims to solidify its spot behind league leaders NU.
Meanwhile, UST (5–4) is in the middle of a rough patch, dropping three straight games including a painful overtime loss to Adamson.
Mark Llemit delivered an impressive double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in that game, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Tigers’ skid.
A win will allow UP to create breathing room in the second spot, while UST hopes to revive its fading Final Four push in what promises to be an intense rematch between contenders on different paths.
(With reports from Luisa Morales)
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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.]