The rivalry reignites. After a weather-induced delay, the clash between De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University is set to deliver a thrilling finale to the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
Originally scheduled for November 9th, the game was postponed due to the arrival of Super Typhoon Uwan. Now, November 26th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum will host this pivotal matchup, a contest carrying immense weight beyond the traditional Blue-Green battle.
The stakes are incredibly high. This isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a desperate scramble for Final Four positioning. Every possession, every point, will be magnified under the bright lights.
Ateneo narrowly escaped with a victory in the first round, 81-74, but that win came with a scare – a massive 33-point lead nearly evaporated. That early success propelled them to a 4-0 start, but a recent slump has left them fighting for their playoff lives.
Currently, La Salle holds the third seed with a 6-4 record, while Ateneo trails closely behind at 5-5. This game is a critical turning point for both teams, potentially solidifying a playoff berth or sending one spiraling towards elimination.
The competition doesn’t end there. University of Santo Tomas lurks just ahead of Ateneo at 6-5, vying for the fourth and final playoff spot. National University (10-2) and defending champions University of the Philippines (8-3) are comfortably positioned for a twice-to-beat advantage.
Adamson University (5-6) and Far Eastern University (4-7) remain within striking distance, refusing to concede defeat. The University of the East, however, has already been eliminated from contention.
Adding to the drama, the suspended game between Santo Tomas and FEU will also be played on November 26th, kicking off the action at 1:30 p.m. This contest carries its own set of playoff implications, further intensifying the day’s schedule.
The schedule also includes several other postponed matches, including youth and women’s games, ensuring a full day of basketball action. Ateneo-La Salle Zobel (U16), Santo Tomas-FEU Diliman (U16), Santo Tomas-FEU (women), and Ateneo-La Salle (women) will all take to the court.
For those who already purchased tickets for the original November 9th date, they will be honored for the rescheduled games. Refunds are also being offered for those unable to attend the new date, providing flexibility for fans.
