Inquirer
NU Bulldogs vow to keep up with UAAP ‘big boys’ again in Season 86
The UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament begins on Saturday, September 30, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles defending their championship title.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin emphasizes team growth over experience for his new-look squad, which features significant changes from last season, including the departures of Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, BJ Andrade, and Forthsky Padrigao.
The Blue Eagles will be led by players such as Mason Amos, Kai Ballungay, Sean Quitevis, and Chris Koon.
Ateneo's opening game is against the National University Bulldogs at 4 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena.
NU coach Jeff Napa is determined to surpass their previous bronze finish, vowing to come out strong and competitive against the league's 'big boys'.
Despite losing Germy Mahinay and John Lloyd Clemente, the Bulldogs remain intact with key holdovers and new additions.
Baldwin acknowledges the toughness of NU, who are returning mostly intact from last season's Final Four run, and expects a challenging matchup.
The opening day features a double-header, with the University of the East Red Warriors playing the University of Santo Tomas at 2 pm before the main event.
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The UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament is set to begin on Saturday, September 30, with defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles facing the National University Bulldogs.
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National University (NU) defeated the defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles, 77-64, in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament opener.
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Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin expressed disappointment after their team's lackluster performance in their UAAP Season 86 Men's Basketball Tournament title defense opening game against National University, where they lost 77-64.
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The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs began their quest for an eighth consecutive UAAP women's basketball championship with a 77-57 victory over Ateneo.
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The Ateneo Blue Eagles secured their first win in UAAP Season 86 by defeating rival De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers with a score of 77-72.
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