UP, Ateneo set for rematch on Oct. 16 as UAAP releases first round schedule

Reigning champion University of the Philippines and runner-up Ateneo are set to face in a rematch and renew their championship rivalry as UAAP Season 85 kicks off next month.

This as the league released the first round schedule with the Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles slated to clash on Oct. 16 five months later since their historic Finals series.

Opening day matchups between Adamson and University of Santo Tomas and UP and De La Lalle will open the curtains on Oct. 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City following a pre-recorded opening ceremony.

The classic rivalry between De La Salle and Ateneo will also be witnessed on Oct. 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Philsports Arena in Pasig and Ynares Sports Arena in Antipolo will also serve as other venues for the basketball tournament.

Saturdays and Sundays will hold the default double-headers while Wednesdays are slated for a four-game billing schedule 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m., a format adapted by the league during Season 84 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The whole first round of men's and women's basketball tournament is scheduled until Oct. 23 while second round resumes as early as Oct. 26.

Without a specific timeslot for the second round though, the tournament will run until December.

In women's action, UST Quadricentennial Pavillion will likewise host games every Wednesday.