University of Santo Tomas and National University are both staking their pristine records when they tangle in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Riding the crest of 93-84 win over La Salle Green Archers, effectively ending a decade-long 16-game losing streak, the Growling Tigers are gunning for a perfect 3-0 record against the equally motivated Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m.
The victor, of course, will join the undefeated Ateneo atop of the early standings.
Clashing at 2 p.m. are the Green Archers and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, who are both trying to recover from their respective setbacks last time out.
UST guard Forthsky Padrigao, despite the Tigers splendid start, refused to get too carried away especially that it is only the start of the season.
“Well, we’ve been motivated since last year and we’re trying to continue to be like that throughout the season,” said Padrigao.
Backing him up was 18-year-old Collins Akowe, the recent Player of the Week winner after his monstrous performances, who, played through a flu and still scored 20 points and collared 19 rebounds.
“We have to trust each other throughout this process, and each one of us surely wants to help UST back on top,” added Akowe.
Jake Figueroa, Jolo Manansala, and PJ Palacielo headline the Bulldogs against Padrigao, Akowe, Nic Cabañero, Kyle Paranada, and Amiel Acido.
Meanwhile, the Green Archers hope to get back on the winning track when they tangle with the Tamaraws, who are still looking for their first win
In women’s matches, La Salle and FEU duel at 12 noon, while UST and NU wrap up the sextuple weekday basketball at 7 p.m. The 16U competition will have a UST-NU meeting at 7:30 a.m. and La Salle-FEU skirmish at 10 a.m.
