Host school University of Santo Tomas and perennial contender De La Salle University clash for a share of the early lead in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 27.
With Kymani Ladi and the streaking Ateneo (2-0) sitting on top of the early standings, the Green Archers (1-0) and the Growling Tigers (1-0) try to follow through when they lock horns in their 4:30 p.m. showdown.
Raising the curtain in men’s action at 2 p.m. is a face-off between National University (1-0) and Far Eastern University (0-1).
DLSU head coach Topex Robinson has reminded his wards to cherish every opportunity as the Taft-based squad aims to reclaim the throne in Mike Phillips' final season.
“We're counting the days of Mike as far as his UAAP career is concerned,” said Robinson. “So we just want to make each and every opportunity for us to really enjoy it and be in the moment."
Jacob Cortez, who put up a 16-point, four-rebound, four-assist, and two-steal performance in his UAAP seniors debut against Adamson (60-58) last weekend, tries to repeat his outing as he takes on fellow talented guard Forthsky Padrigao.
Also putting an exciting battle on the paint is the titanic collision between Phillips and super rookie Collins Akowe. Kean Baclaan, for his part, hopes to improve his dismal 1-point outing in La Salle’s opener, while Mason Amos, who, despite draining a crucial trey, is also seeking to contribute more after only registering six points.
Padrigao enters his first game this season after serving a one-game suspension and he is expected to bring more firepower for UST.
Also worth watching is Akowe who stood out in his maiden game in the collegiate ranks after producing 29 points, 17 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
Meanwhile, fresh off a 72-57 win over UE last Sunday, NU goes for a 2-0 slate against FEU, which is aiming to recover from its 86-83 setback to Ateneo.
