UAAP: Bienne Bansil, UP brace for Jaz Ellarina-led FEU; champion NU faces Ateneo test

The UP Fighting Maroons and the FEU Lady Tamaraws collide in a crucial UAAP Season 88 showdown on Sunday, March 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams eager to strengthen their early bids for a Final Four spot.

UP (3-1) heads into the matchup brimming with confidence after pulling off a stunning upset over the NU Lady Bulldogs in their previous outing.

The Fighting Maroons showcased grit and composure in that breakthrough victory, proving they can hang with the league’s elite.

Bienne Bansil played a key role in that triumph, delivering 10 points including clutch hits in crucial stretches.

The Maroons will once again look to Bansil for leadership and timely scoring as they attempt to sustain their momentum against another dangerous opponent.

But FEU (3-2) arrives with momentum of its own.

After a shaky start to the season, the Lady Tamaraws have found their rhythm and are currently riding their first win streak of the campaign.

Their most recent victory came at the expense of Ateneo, with Jaz Ellarina leading the charge with an 11-point performance.

Ellarina will try to build on that outing as FEU seeks to continue its climb in the standings and secure another statement win against a fellow contender.

With both squads trending upward, the encounter promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams looking to solidify their place in the upper half of the standings.

Earlier in the day, the NU Lady Bulldogs (4-1) aim to keep pace with unbeaten league leaders La Salle (5-0) as they take on the still-winless Ateneo Blue Eagles (0-5) at 1:00 p.m.

Celine Marsh will be one to watch for NU after posting 11 points and 12 excellent digs in their previous win over the UE Lady Warriors.

(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.]