University of the Philippines is looking to get back on track when it faces Final Four hopeful University of the East in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Fighting Maroons (8-2) should have nothing in mind but vent ire on the Red Warriors (4-6) following their 88-79 defeat against the De La Salle Green Archers last week. Game time is at 1 p.m. 

UP, sans reigning MVP Malick Diouf and JD Cagulangan, who were both nursing different injuries, evidently struggled in the endgame which resulted in its second loss of the season. 

While the Fighting Maroons are expecting the return of Diouf and Cagulangan, CJ Cansino took charge for Fighting Maroons in the losing end and should likely put the squad on his back anew. 

Meanwhile, UE completed a season-sweep of Far Eastern University on the same day to keep its playoff bid going. 

Sophomore Rey Remogat is expected to continue his impressive display after putting on a show and resetting his career-best to 34 points, becoming the second highest performing Red Warrior behind Alvin Pasaol’s 49-point eruption in 2018. 

In another play, La Salle (7-3) is seeking its fifth win in a row at the expense of Adamson (5-5) in the finale of the weekday quadruple-header at 6 p.m. 

The Kevin Quiambao-led Green Archers remained as the only unbeaten team in the second round action with four straight wins including paybacks against first-round tormentors and top two squads National University and UP. 

Anchored by MVP frontrunner Quiambao, graduating Evan Nelle and Jonnel Policarpio, La Salle is on the hunt for the coveted twice-to-beat armor. 

However, the Soaring Falcons eye to keep a solid grip of the fourth spot after back-to-back victories that helped their case for a playoff chance. 

Meanwhile, NU (8-2) and FEU (3-7) are set to tussle at 4 p.m. 

In the battle of contrasting spots in the standings, the Bulldogs are looking to get the Tamaraws out of their way. 

Rookie Reinhard Jumamoy's timely explosion helped NU in its escape win over defending champion Ateneo and should be expected to get more significant minutes. 

FEU, though, is hanging tough following two straight losses. 

In the first serving of the busy playdate, Ateneo (4-6) is itching to break through in the second round against University of Santo Tomas (1-9) at 11 a.m. 

Both squads remain as the only winless sides in the final round with three straight losses. 

The Blue Eagles were without head coach Tab Baldwin in their previous 65-61 loss to the Bulldogs as he was feeling under the weather, but is expected to be back on the touchline during the match. 

After their big win against championship rival UP to end the first round, Ateneo’s woes ensued which according to Baldwin was due to a “lack of playing chemistry”. 

The Growling Tigers, who are dealing with the same scenario, are on the brink of elimination and another loss would end their Final Four campaign.