Action between UST and UP in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball Final 4, November 30, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media/File
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas hopes to gain a measure of revenge against the University of the Philippines as they open their UAAP Season 88 campaign on their homecourt at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on September 21.
The Fighting Maroons ended the Growling Tigers' bid for redemption in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball Final 4, claiming a 78-69 victory to seal their fourth consecutive Finals appearance.
UP would go on to dethrone De La Salle University in a Finals series that went the distance.
READ: What to expect in the UAAP Season 88 opening ceremony
With UST being the host school for the upcoming season, UAAP Board of Managing Directors (BMD) President and UST athletics chief Fr. Rodel Cansancio said that the Tigers along with other Thomasian athletes are not pressured but are rather pumped to showcase their true caliber to other universities.
"Hindi yun added pressure for our Growling Tigers. Nandun rin yung [fact na] they want to show [their skills] especially na host yung UST ngayon," Cansancio said during the UAAP Season 88 press conference on Wednesday.
"We know that our student athletes [are] always up to the challenge. 'Di namin sila ini-istorbo for the preparations of [their opening games] so right now they are preparing for their competitions this [Season 88]," he added.
After having their best season in five years, the Tigers beefed up their squad with the new additions from their grassroots program headlined by Koji Beunaflor, Charles Bucsit, and Carl Manding.
UST also added former rival and boys' MVP Collins Akowe from National University-Nazareth School, who is likely to fill in the foreign student-athlete slot following the sudden exit of Malian center Mo Tounkara.
READ: Growling Tigers gain major push after securing Collins Akowe
Seasoned players such as Nic Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao, and Kyle Paranda are still expected to make some noise for the España-based squad. Rising stars Ice Danting, Amiel Acido, and Gelo Crisostomo will also provide additional firepower for UST.
The State U will look to retain its poise as battle-hardened talents such as Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Janjan Felcilda, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres return for their title defense.
Big men Gani Stevens and Sean Alter will also look to step up for the Diliman squad following the departures of Francis Lopez, Quentin Millora-Brown, and Seven Gagate. Meanwhile, ex-Red Warrior standout Rey Remogat will look to fill the void left by former Finals MVP JD Cagulangan in the guard spot.
READ: UP to lean on 'Maroon 5' to continue winning culture in Season 88
The schedule of games is yet to be finalized, but all UAAP basketball games will be held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion for September as it is set to coincide with the FIVB Men's Volleyball Championship.
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