After a one-week break, the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament returns – promising yet another slew of unpredictable matchups as the second round officially kicks off at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, October 29.
La Salle (3-4) vs UST (1-6)
Starting off the second round of basketball hostilities at the Araneta Coliseum at 2 pm are two teams in desperate need of winning momentum: the sixth-ranked La Salle Green Archers and last-placer UST Growling Tigers.
Still one of the league’s most talented teams from top to bottom, the Archers are dead set on getting more defensive consistency to make the most out of their premier offensive weapons, namely league-leading scorer Schonny Winston and top assist man Evan Nelle.
Nelle, though, will be serving a one-game suspension after committing an unsportsmanlike foul in his last outing.
Far on the other end of the spectrum, the Tigers moving forward have to inspire more confidence in every single player not named Nic Cabañero to help lift immense pressure off the teenage sophomore sensation already ranked second in league scoring behind the veteran Winston.
Adamson (3-4) vs Ateneo (5-2)
Suddenly sitting in fourth place after a middling season start, the Adamson Soaring Falcons have a tough second round opening test as they face the ever-dangerous Ateneo Blue Eagles at 4 pm.
Despite injuries plaguing key cogs like Joem Sabandal and AP Manlapaz, the Falcons are treading ever so slightly above water thanks to the gargantuan efforts of lone star Jerom Lastimosa, who will likely need more support from the likes of Lenda Douanga, Vince Magbuhos, and Joshua Yerro moving forward.
Meanwhile, the young Blue Eagles are getting more formidable with each passing game as new faces like Kai Ballungay, Gab Gomez, and Paul Garcia continue to get real minutes alongside an established core of MVP Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, BJ Andrade, and Forthsky Padrigao.
Which teams will gain a first leg up on a frantic race to the Final Four? Tune in to this page for key updates.
