The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has made way for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to hold its potential Game 3 of the Seniors Basketball Finals on Saturday, December 14, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Initially, both the UAAP and NCAA had scheduled their potential Game 3s for the same date and venue. However, the UAAP has opted to reschedule its matches to avoid any conflict.
“The University Athletic Association of the Philippines announces that Game 2 or 3 of the UAAP Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Finals, as well as the potential Game 3 of the Collegiate Women’s and Collegiate Men’s Basketball Finals, will be played on Sunday, December 15,” the league said in a statement.
“This change comes as the SMART Araneta Coliseum encountered a scheduling conflict for Saturday, December 14, which had been reserved by both the UAAP and the National Collegiate Athletic Association,” the statement added.
“In light of this, the UAAP is moving its Finals Game 3 to December 15, Sunday, so the NCAA may hold their potential Game 3 on December 14.”
The Smart Araneta Coliseum “double-booked” both leagues on the same date with the UAAP being given permits on the 28th to play on December 14.
To avoid any conflict, the UAAP has decided to give way to the NCAA, which is celebrating its 100th season.
Mapua currently leads the NCAA Finals series, 1-0, against College of Saint Benilde, with the potential Game 3 looming.
Meanwhile, in the UAAP, De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines are battling for the Men’s Basketball crown.
On the UAAP women’s side, National University is still awaiting the result of the University of Santo Tomas-Adamson University semis.
For the Junior High School Boys’ Finals, University of the East, Far Eastern University-Diliman, UST, and National University Nazareth School are still in contention for the championship slots.
