UST will be eager to repeat over defending champion UP as the Growling Tigers and the Fighting Maroons meet in the second round of UAAP Season 88.
Mark Llemit and the UST Growling Tigers look to snap a three-game losing skid when they face the defending champion UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, November 5.
Gametime is 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigers (5–4) are seeking redemption after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Adamson in their previous outing, where Llemit stood tall with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the recent slide, UST remains in Final Four contention and is eager to bounce back with a statement win over one of the league’s top contenders.
UP (6–3), meanwhile, enters the matchup in strong form, having won six of its last seven games to reclaim second place in the standings.
The Fighting Maroons, however, are also out for revenge after being routed by UST in their season opener.
Jacob Bayla will be a key figure for the champs, fresh off a versatile outing of eight points, six boards, and three steals.
A victory for UST would reinvigorate its Final Four hopes and halt its midseason slump, while a win for UP would give the Maroons more separation from the chasing pack.
Expect fireworks as both teams chase crucial positioning in the playoff race.
(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.]