Rappler
‘Definitely not a rematch’: Tab Baldwin admits power shift ahead of Ateneo-UP blockbuster
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin stated that Sunday's UAAP Season 86 clash against University of the Philippines is not a finals rematch due to significant roster changes for both teams.
Baldwin emphasized that Ateneo, who defeated UP in the previous season's finals, is a "far cry" from their championship team and has "a lot to prove" this season.
Both Ateneo and UP have lost key players from their previous championship-contending squads, necessitating the integration of new talents.
The Blue Eagles are banking on new players like Joseph Obasa and Mason Amos, alongside returning players such as Kai Ballungay and Chris Koon.
Similarly, the Fighting Maroons are navigating the absence of important players like Carl Tamayo and Zavier Lucero.
Baldwin views the upcoming game as an opportunity for his team to demonstrate their capabilities against a UP squad that has performed strongly so far.
Ateneo is currently experiencing an up-and-down performance in the tournament, unlike their dominant championship run last season.
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The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons suffered their first loss of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a 99-89 overtime thriller on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
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The Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the UST Growling Tigers with a final score of 97-77 in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament.
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The UP Fighting Maroons and NU Bulldogs, both leading the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament with 6-1 records, begin the second round on Wednesday, October 25.
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The UP Fighting Maroons defeated the De La Salle Green Archers, 67-64, to maintain their perfect 6-0 record in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament.
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The Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 85-76, ending UP's six-game winning streak in the UAAP Season 86 women's basketball tournament.
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