The University of the Philippines (UP) looks to extend its five-game winning streak and solidify its grip on the top spot when it takes on Adamson University on Wednesday, November 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
The Fighting Maroons hold a 7-2 record, while the Soaring Falcons carry a 4-5 card as they fight to keep their Final Four hopes alive. Game time is scheduled for 5 p.m.
In the preliminary game at 2:30 p.m., the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws (5-4) face the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors (0-9), who are seeking their first victory in two years.
UP enters the match following a 101-70 victory over UE. In their previous meeting on October 14, the Fighting Maroons edged Adamson 69-67 behind a late-game surge led by Noy Remogat, Gani Stevens, Veejay Pre, and James Payosing.
Despite their success, UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon emphasized the need for consistency across all four quarters.
”If there’s one thing that we haven’t seen from our team is ‘yong being focused from all four quarters. Right now we’re playing in spurts, so, ‘yon nga just like this game,” Luanzon said.
Adamson aims to bounce back from a 73-66 loss to FEU, relying on Matty Montebon, Matt Edding, Matthew Erolon, Ray Allen Torres, Manu Anabo, and Precious Jonah. A win for Adamson would tie them with the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 5-5 in the standings.
Meanwhile, FEU seeks consecutive wins against a UE squad mired in a 29-game losing skid. The Tamaraws will lean on Janrey Pasaol, Kirby Mongcopa, Jorick Bautista, Cabs Cabonillas, and Mo Konateh, while the Red Warriors counter with Toper Lagat, Drew Jimenez, and Mo Tanedo.
In the women’s division, reigning champion University of Santo Tomas (8-0) targets its ninth straight win against De La Salle University (1-7) at 8 a.m., followed by UE (1-7) versus FEU (5-4) at 10 a.m., and UP (4-4) against Adamson (5-4) at 12 noon.