UAAP: Ateneo, UP, geared up for ‘Battle of Katipunan’

WHAT a day for UAAP fans, as the Season 87 second round ‘Battle of Katipunan’ between rivals Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles and University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons is in place today.

There’s nothing better than seeing two rival schools compete for pride and glory of their alma mater, as Ateneo and UP will settle their rivalry today, October 30 (Wednesday) 6:30 PM, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

This afternoon, the Blue Eagles have an opportunity to bounce back from their opening-day setback against the Fighting Maroons and increase their chances of making the Final Four. 

Meanwhile, a win over ADMU will improve UP’s chances of securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinal round. This clash is more important than the narrative surrounding it as it predicts their chances moving on.

Still up for grabs

The Blue Eagles are currently tied in the standings with the Adamson Soaring Falcons and FEU Tamaraws, one loss behind the UST Growling Tigers. Nonetheless, the last Final Four ticket is still up for grabs. 

In their previous game, the young Katipunan-based club, led by their blue chip recruit Jared Bahay, made a valiant effort against their other rival, the reigning champs DLSU Green Archers, losing 65-80. 

Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group

Despite his career-high 22 points, four assists, and two rebounds, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin sees plenty of room for improvement, but is pleased to see him finally settling into his game in college.

“He’s actually settling into this level of competition more than it is anything in terms of improvement. And I wouldn’t say yet he’s becoming a better decision-maker, I just think he’s getting more comfortable,” said Baldwin.

“He’s showing what he’s capable of in offense. He’s playing better, but we need a great point guard out of him and not just a good scorer in the point guard position,” continued Baldwin on his assessment of Bahay’s performance.

Bahay will likely play an important role for their squad to secure a much-needed win, as will their key players, a mix of experienced and youngsters in Chris Koon, Ian Espinosa, Sean Quitevis, Kristian Porter, and Shawn Tuano.

Nowhere to go but UP

On the other side of this encounter, the Fighting Maroons hope to go 2-0 against the Blue Eagles this season, increasing their chances of obtaining a key twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four round. 

UP has been on a roll since their loss to La Salle before the end of the first round, but they suddenly seem much better with floor general JD Cagulangan back and healthy. 

Cagulangan, who has been a consistent contributor, led his team again with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, three rebounds, and two steals to capture a spot at the Final Four, when they faced Adamson.

Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group

However, the outgoing point guard believes that UP needs to concentrate on their bad tendency of being complacent and falling behind early in most of the games they played this season.

“Siguro nandun ‘yong part na siguro kumpiyansa masyado and masyadong relaxed, especially galing sa break. Siguro kailangan lang namin tanggalin yung habit na ganon,” said Cagulangan.

“Kailangan ibalik kung paano kami nag-start ng season. Every start ng game, kailangan diin kaagad,” he added, explaining how important it is for the Fighting Maroons to stay hungry all the time.

Cagulangan is set to head the Goldwin Monteverde-coached side, which includes dependable teammates Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Gani Stevens, and high-flying Francis Lopez.