MAKAKASAGUPA ng host University of the Philippines ang Ateneo de Manila sa men’s basketball sa pagbubukas ng University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 sa Sabado, Setyembre 7, sa Araneta Coliseum.
Nakatakda ang salpukan ng Fighting Maroons, runner up noong nakaraang season, at Blue Eagles, tumapos sa fourth, sa alas-6:30 ng gabi.
Naghanda ang UP ng extraordinary opening ceremony sa alas-11 ng umaga na tatampukan ng brightest talents ng unibersidad, sa pangunguna ng legendary OPM band Eraserheads.
“Our opening ceremony is a celebration of the spirit of unity amid rivalry that defines the UAAP. This year, we aim to celebrate not only the competitive edge of our universities but also the camaraderie and a shared passion that brings us together. The performance by the Eraserheads, along with other talented artists from UP, will be a memorable highlight as we embark on a season that truly embodies our theme of unity. We look forward to a season where the excitement of the games and the warmth of our community create an unforgettable experience for everyone,” pahayag ni UAAP Season 87 President at UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II sa isang press conference sa Novotel Manila sa Quezon City kahapon.
“As we embrace the theme ‘Stronger, Better, Together’ for UAAP Season 87, we are thrilled to witness the vibrant competition and unity that define our league. This season will truly exemplify our commitment to elevating the experience for our student-athletes,” sabi ni UAAP Executive Director lawyer Rene “Rebo” Saguisag.
Labing-isang laro ang nakatakda sa Linggo, anim sa Adamson University at lima sa Araneta Coliseum.
Maglalaro sa Adamson gym ang Ateneo kontra UP (8 a.m.), UE vs UST (9:45 a.m.), Adamson vs FEU (11:30 a.m.) at La Salle laban sa National University (1:30 p.m.) sa juniors division, at Ateneo kontra UP (3:30 p.m.) at La Salle vs NU (5:30 p.m.) sa women’s division.
Sasalang naman sa Araneta Coliseum ang UE laban sa UST (9 a.m.) at Adamson kontra FEU (11 a.m.) sa women’s division, at UE vs UST (1 p.m.), Adamson vs FEU (3 p.m.) at La Salle kontra NU (6:30 p.m.) sa men’s division.
Mapapanood ang lahat ng men’s at women’s games Live sa free-to-air via One Sports tuwing Miyerkoles, Sabado, at Linggo.
CLYDE MARIANO