UP Maroons begin UAAP Season 88 title defense vs UST Growling Tigers

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons will begin their UAAP Season 88 men's basketball title defense against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers on September 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The season officially commences on September 20, with all eight schools playing at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, which will serve as the main hub for UST's hosting due to venue unavailability for the FIVB Men's World Championship.

UP aims for a repeat championship and has its sights locked on rival De La Salle University on October 19.

The Fighting Maroons will parade former UAAP Mythical Five member Rey Remogat, who transferred from the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors after completing his residency.

Winner of two titles in the past four seasons, including a three-peat in the Filoil Preseason, the team coached by Goldwin Monteverde will face rival Ateneo de Manila University on October 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Prior to facing La Salle, UP will play Remogat's former squad, UE, on September 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In women's basketball, reigning champion National U and UST will have a rematch on October 1 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.