The UAAP has released the second-round schedule for Season 87 basketball, introducing key changes to the three divisions currently playing.
In the first round, each game day featured two junior high school and two women’s basketball games, but the league has now trimmed this down, making it either four or five games played per day.
This adjustment allows for an earlier start time, particularly for the men’s games.
Starting in this round, men’s games will now tip off at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
The second round begins on Saturday, October 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The junior high school division will kick things off at 8:00 AM, with Ateneo facing UP.
In the women’s division, Adamson takes on FEU at 10:00 AM, followed by De La Salle battling UE at noon.
In the afternoon, the men’s games will feature Adamson vs. FEU at 4:00 PM and La Salle vs. UE at 6:00 PM.
On Day 2, NU will face Adamson in the junior high school division, followed by NU vs. Ateneo and UST vs. UP in the women’s division.
In the men’s division, NU and Ateneo will square off, followed by a highly anticipated match between UST and UP in what many call the “Battle Between Church and State.”
Looking ahead, the rivalry game between Ateneo and La Salle is set for October 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Another key game is the ‘Battle of Katipunan’ between Ateneo and UP on October 30 at 6:00 PM, also at MOA Arena.
Additionally, the second Finals rematch between La Salle and UP on November 10 at 6:00 PM at the Araneta Coliseum is expected to have major playoff implications.
In women’s basketball, the showdown between NU and UST on November 6 at 12:00 PM at MOA Arena is also one to watch.
The final day of eliminations for the men’s division will take place on November 16 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
This second round also aligns with the FIBA World Cup windows, as the UAAP Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to conclude its elimination round by November 16.
This scheduling ensures the UAAP remains in sync with the global basketball calendar.
The UAAP also took breaks in the men’s and women’s football tournaments, aligning with FIFA-mandated national team windows.