UP-Ateneo rematch to highlight ‘elaborate’ UAAP opening day

Original photo sources: UAAP media team

A rematch between two fierce rivals in UAAP men’s basketball will tip-off the competition for UAAP Season 87.

Host school University of the Philippines will take on the team they eliminated in the Final Four last season in the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, September 7, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The game is expected to begin at 6:00 PM.

UP and Ateneo, who also faced each other in the UAAP Finals of seasons 81, 84, and 85, finished second and fourth, respectively, in Season 86, setting up this game. Reigning champion La Salle will open its title defense against the team they eliminated last Final Four in National University (1 vs. 3) the day after on Sunday, September 8.

The other games of opening weekend, which are also expected to take place on Sunday, include UE vs. UST (6 vs. 8) and Adamson vs. FEU (5 vs. 7).

The Fighting Maroons will parade new standouts such as prize rookie recruit Jacob Bayla and former NCAA Div I one-and-done prospect Quentin Millora-Brown. This game will also mark the debut of Ateneo newcomers Jared Bahay, who initially committed to the Fighting Maroons, and Femi Edu, the younger brother of national team player AJ Edu.

University of the Philippines president Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez mentioned that the UAAP plans to have an “elaborate” opening day that includes performances from the UP Symphony Orchestra and choir groups of all eight participating universities.

There will also be performances from five to six iconic bands with ties to the host school, including one “major iconic” group that will excite those who watch live at the arena and at home.

The basketball season schedule is expected to include game days with six matchups: two for the under-16 tournament, two for the women’s tournament, and two for the men’s tournament.