By NIKOLE JAVIER
Defending champion University of the Philippines and National University look to keep hold of the top spot when they meet separate foes in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Fighting Maroons (4-1) are set for the 4:30 p.m. clash against the University of the East Red Warriors who are coming off back-to-back wins for their third victory against two losses.
With JD Cagulangan providing an all-around effort in his return after a leg injury and Carl Tamayo making his solid presence inside, UP thwarted championship rival Ateneo in overtime, 76-71, last Oct. 16.
Luis Villegas, who completed two double-double performances in their two straight wins against De La Salle and University of Santo Tomas last week, is expected to anchor UE and keep their momentum going against the strong UP side.
Villegas’ impressive showing enabled the Red Warriors to pull off surprises this season which earned him the Player of the Week honosr by the Collegiate Press Corps.
NU, on the other hand, seeks to preserve its share of the lead with its 4-1 record against La Salle (3-2) in the curtain-raiser at 11 a.m.
The Bulldogs, who handed the Fighting Maroons their first loss of the season, will pull out all the stops with their balanced scoring against Schonny Winston of the Green Archers.
Ateneo, which dropped at the fifth spot (3-2) faces Adamson (2-3) in their 1 p.m. meeting, while UST (1-4) tangles with the winless Far Eastern University (0-5) at 6:30 p.m.