By: Joaquin Cortez
University of Santo Tomas is bracing for a determined Ateneo de Manila University fightback when the two squads collide in a crucial UAAP Season 89 collegiate men’s basketball showdown at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
The Growling Tigers have every reason to expect a fierce challenge from the Blue Eagles, who will be out to settle old scores after falling to UST in an epic triple-overtime thriller last year.
On October 12, 2025, the Tigers outlasted Ateneo, 98-89, in a marathon encounter at the Blue Eagle Gym, dealing the Blue Eagles a painful defeat on their home floor.
UST also got the better of Ateneo in their most recent meeting in the Pinoyliga Big Dance semifinals on August 31, 2026, scoring a 76-68 victory to end the Blue Eagles’ dream run in their first preseason tournament since the Dipaculao tragedy.
With another chapter of their rivalry looming, UST big man Collins Akowe is expecting Ateneo to come out swinging, although he is keeping his focus on what the Growling Tigers need to do on their home court.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Nothing to think about; it’s just basketball. But at the same time, I hope the UST community comes out to support us, because you know, it’s our home court and hopefully we get a win there,” Akowe said.
The Tigers will enter the matchup with renewed confidence after snapping a three-game losing streak with an 81-69 victory last Wednesday, improving their record to 3-3 and giving themselves a chance to close the first round on a winning note.
UST, however, cannot afford to let its recent breakthrough turn into complacency, especially against an Ateneo side eager to regain its footing after consecutive defeats.
The Blue Eagles are likewise carrying a 3-3 record but will be looking to snap their own two-game skid before the end of the first round.
Ateneo will also welcome back head coach Louie Alas, who is set to return to the sidelines after serving a one-game suspension.
With Alas back calling the shots, the Blue Eagles will look to regain their footing and spoil UST’s homecoming while seeking revenge for their previous setbacks against the Growling Tigers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST, meanwhile, knows that home-court advantage alone will not guarantee another victory against its familiar rival.
The Growling Tigers have also been reminded of the challenge of facing Ateneo at the QPav.
Mark Llemit recalled their previous encounter at the venue on October 19, 2024, when the Blue Eagles escaped with a narrow 67-64 win.
“Talo kami sa Ateneo noong homecourt ng UST. So ‘yun, paghahandaan namin ‘yun this Saturday,” Llemit said.
