University of the Philippines aims to preserve its pristine record and join defending champion De La Salle at the top when it squares off with National University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Fresh from shooting down University of the East, 81-71, the Fighting Maroons seek their third win when they clash against the Bulldogs (1-1) in their 6:30 p.m. encounter.

For the opening showdown, the Red Warriors and the FEU Tamaraw (0-2) will duke it out at 4:30 p.m. with both teams gunning for a taste of victory in the early going of the collegiate season.

Runner-up for the past two editions, the Goldwin Monteverde-mentored squad looked formidable as ever after drubbing the still winless Ateneo, 77-61, then the Red Warriors the last time out.

Despite a convincing start to the season, UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said there are several things to improve as they push through in the tournament.

“Every game is a teaching moment for us. As coach Goldwin (Monteverde) says, each game should show improvement, not just during the off-season,” said Luanzon. “This game will help us move forward as we clean up some things.”

NU, for its part, narrowly escaped FEU, 62-60, last weekend to successfully recover from a 78-75 heartbreak against La Salle in the opener.

The Bulldogs need every bit of momentum and confidence if they wish to tame the Maroons who have JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon and high-flying forward Francis Lopez.

Aside from the trio, UP has a reliable supporting cast in Quentin Millora-Brown, Dikachi Ududo, Sean Alter and Gani Stevens.

On the other hand, the Bulldogs will count on their veteran Jake Figueroa, PJ Palacielo and floor general Steve Nash Enriquez to force a three-way tie with Adamson (2-1) and UST (2-1) in the standings.

Meanwhile, former PBA import and now coach Sean Chambers wants to secure his first win for the Tamaraws when they lock horns with fellow winless Red Warriors.

FEU will be bannered by 6-foot-9 center Mo Konateh, newcomers Veejay Pre and Janrey Pasaol along with holdovers Jorick Bautista and Royce Alforque.

The Red Warriors will likely lean on star big man Precious Momowei, Welo Lingo-Lingo, Rey Maga and Nico Mulingtapang.