MANILA, Philippines — And then there were four.
Reigning champion University of the Philippines, Ateneo, National U and Adamson – after surviving a wild elimination round – figure in an explosive slugfest as the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball Final Four unwraps today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hostilities fire off at 2 p.m. starting with the title defense of second-seeded UP against No. 3 NU in a battle between well-rested squads after qualifying to the semifinals as early as last week.
At 6 p.m., top-ranked and former three-time champion Ateneo looks to shore up its redemption tour against a high-morale Adamson side coming off a big knockout win against fancied La Salle for the last Final Four ticket.
Ateneo and UP sport twice-to-beat incentives as the top seeds with quick wins to set the stage for a finals rematch after an iconic battle in Season 84 last summer.
But NU and Adamson are out to spoil that party.
The Bulldogs have shown that capability in the first round after handing UP’s first loss while the Falcons are beaming with confidence and momentum after their close duel against the Eagles followed by a spirited 80-76 do-or-die win versus the Archers.
Prior to the men’s Final Four, it’s dynasty versus destiny as six-time reigning champion NU and La Salle open their best-of-three finals duel for the women’s basketball crown at 11 a.m.