The UP Fighting Maroons hope to continue their hot streak against rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles in a match with plenty of semis implication in UAAP Season 88.
Gerry Abadiano and the UP Fighting Maroons aim to secure a coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 semifinals when they clash with rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, November 19, at 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Now at 9–3 and riding a five-game winning streak, UP enters the rivalry showdown with strong momentum and hopes to further deepen the struggles of Ateneo.
Abadiano, the team captain, is coming off a sharp performance of 16 points, three rebounds, and a steal in their crucial win over Adamson, and he will again anchor the charge for the defending champions.
A win would push the Fighting Maroons closer to locking in a top-two finish — a major step toward their title-retention bid.
But standing in their way is an Ateneo squad desperate to preserve its Final Four hopes.
The Blue Eagles fell to 5–6 after their stumble against UST, and they now face a must-win situation against one of their fiercest rivals.
(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.]