The UP Fighting Maroons are one victory away from strengthening their hold on a UAAP Season 89 Final Four spot as they prepare to face longtime rival Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, November 7, at 6 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Currently leading the men’s basketball standings with an 8-2 record, UP enters the rivalry clash riding a six-game winning streak. The Fighting Maroons are looking to extend their impressive run of seven consecutive Final Four appearances while moving closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.
But Ateneo is not about to make the road to the playoffs any easier. Sitting in fifth place with a 5-5 record, the Blue Eagles are fighting to break into the Top Four after suffering a narrow 76-73 overtime defeat against La Salle. The Katipunan squad also has unfinished business with UP following a convincing 94-75 loss in their first-round encounter.
Despite their comfortable position at the top, UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon warned against complacency, stressing that the tightly contested standings could quickly change with only four elimination-round games remaining. National University trails UP at 7-3, while defending champion La Salle and Far Eastern University remain in contention at 6-4.
With a Final Four berth within reach for UP and Ateneo’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Saturday’s rivalry matchup carries more than just school pride. The Fighting Maroons are looking to tighten their grip on the standings, while the Blue Eagles have a chance to shake up the semifinal race before the elimination round reaches its finish.
Image from UAAP Media Bureau