Last year’s runner-up University of the Philippines hopes to keep its momentum as it guns for win No. 2 against University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Sept. 14.

The Fighting Maroons (1-0), who came from a commanding 77-61 victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles (0-2) in the opening night, aim to continue their winning ways in the 6:30 p.m. duel against the Red Warriors (0-1).

In the first game, Far Eastern University locks horns with National University at 4.30 p.m, with both teams eyeing to barge into the win column in the early stretch of the tournament.

“Well, I believe each one did their role in helping the team win the game and for me, as we progress, the newcomers and the rookies will really improve,” said UP mentor Goldwin Monterverde.

“And it's important to improve the way we play together in our ultimate goal as the tournament progresses,” he continued.

JD Cagulangan starred and almost had a rare triple-double effort after listing 17 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in their win against Ateneo. Francis Lopez was equally impressive with up 14 points, while rookie Quentin Millora-Brown shone in his first UAAP game.

The triumvirate are expected to lead the Katipunan-based group while Prince Momowei, Elijah Fikes, Ethan Galang and Gjerard Wilson are at the forefront of the Jack Santiago-mentored UE squad.

“I think it was an exciting first game for me. I'm glad that we got the win, because that's the most important thing,” said Millora-Brown, who registered 17 rebounds on top of seven points in his UAAP debut.

“As a team, we just wanna keep winning and I think we’re just going to keep improving as the season goes along,” he added.

UE aims to bounce back after its 70-55 defeat against UST, which is sharing the top spot with La Salle with a clean 2-0 record.

FEU, meanwhile, will lean on Jorick Bautista’s explosiveness after his stellar output despite bowing to the Adamson Soaring Falcons (1-1), 59-47, last weekend.

Meanwhile, NU wants to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to La Salle, 78-75.