MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines hopes to secure the No. 2 spot at the end of the first round when it takes on University of the East on Saturday in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Fighting Maroons are also eyeing their first three-game winning streak of the season in the 2:30 p.m. matchup, while the Red Warriors seek to avoid becoming the third team in league history to suffer 27 consecutive defeats.
Far Eastern University and National University, both tied with UP at 4-2, dispute the top spot when they close out the first round at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Fighting Maroons suffered back-to-back losses to the Tamaraws, 79-90, and the Bulldogs, 64-72.
However, coach Goldwin Monteverde made the necessary adjustments following those defeats, steering UP to victories over modern-day rival De La Salle, 80-76, and hard-fighting Adamson University, 69-67, to earn a share of first place.
"We won our first two games, it's been a little extreme. Then, we lose two, and then we win two again. We have a chance to make it three and finish on a good note for the first round. We just gotta play consistently in terms of yung focus namin," assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.
"If there's something we've yet to see from our team is being focused from all four quarters. Right now, we're playing in spurts. What's important is how they respond. Lagi sinasabi ni coach Gold (Monteverde), hindi pwede kung anong gusto nila, dapat gustong-gusto nila," he added.
With 26 consecutive losses, the Red Warriors are on the brink of matching UP's 27-game losing streak, which lasted from 2012 to 2014. The Falcons hold the league record for the longest losing streak at 35 games, a skid that spanned from 1999 to 2002.
UE's last victory came on October 26, 2024, when it routed NU, 74-58.
The Red Warriors, however, showed signs of improvement in their most recent outing. UE held Adamson to a season-low three points in the third quarter before falling short in a 64-71 defeat last Sunday.
Meanwhile, host University of Santo Tomas takes on Ateneo in the 6 p.m. matchup, with both teams looking to strengthen their bids to remain in the top four.
The Growling Tigers and the Blue Eagles are part of a four-way tie with the Green Archers and the Falcons at 3-3. La Salle and Adamson face off at 6 p.m. Sunday to wrap up the first-round action.
UST hopes to avoid a repeat of its heartbreaking 64-67 loss to Ateneo at QPav on October 19, 2024.
"Nothing to think about, it’s just basketball. But at the same time I hope the UST community comes out to support us, because you know, it’s our home court and hopefully we get a win there," Nigerian center Collins Akowe said.
The Growling Tigers are also hoping to welcome veteran center Gelo Crisostomo back soon. Crisostomo has played only two games this season before suffering a right knee injury. His return would give UST another key presence alongside Akowe as it pursues a third consecutive Final Four appearance.
"Start ng second round, we’re targeting start ng second round give or take," assistant coach Peter Martin said.
UP, meanwhile, is dealing with a hand injury to Arvie Poyos. After playing a key role in the victory over the Green Archers, Poyos was unavailable for the Fighting Maroons' narrow win against the Soaring Falcons.
Nigerian big man Dikachi Udodo, who delivered solid performances in UP's back-to-back victories, is eager to contribute even more in the coming games.
"For me, I never place my confidence in myself. The road’s never gonna be smooth, I’m ready to fight through it. That’s how I got here, it was never given to me," Udodo said.
In the women's division, defending champion UST stakes its unbeaten record against Ateneo at noon, while UP takes on UE at 10 a.m.
UST and Adamson clash in the lone 16U division game at 8 a.m. TMT
