Fiery weekend bill ushers in UAAP Season 87

MANILA, Philippines — Host University of the Philippines takes on rival Ateneo in the lone game opener while reigning champion La Salle starts its title defense against National U in an explosive opening weekend bill of the UAAP Season 87 on Sept. 7 and 8.

Rivalry will be renewed between the Katipunan neighbors at 6 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum after the opening rites.

Headlining the ceremony is iconic rock band The Eraserheads, a proud product of UP, in a rare reunion concert to re-introduce its timeless hits to the new generation of Filipino music fans.

But the spotlight is still on the hardcourt with UP keen on ushering its season hosting and redemption tour on a high note with an intact roster led by LeBron Lopez, Gerry Abadiano, JD Cagulangan and Harold Alarcon along with UAAP rookie and former Gilas Pilipinas youth star Jacob Bayla.

UP has been in the UAAP finals in the last three seasons, winning the 84th Season to snap a 36-year title drought. It then finished runner-up to Ateneo and La Salle in Seasons 85 and 86, respectively.

Starring for the Blue Eagles, on the heels of star big man Mason Amos’ departure for La Salle, is high school standout Jared Bahay.

La Salle, the undisputed title favorite led by UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, debuts on Sunday, headlining a triple-header against the ever gritty underdog NU.

Under the watch of Topex Robinson, the Green Archers had a fruitful offseason camp highlighted by championships in the PBA D-League, Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup and the World University Basketball Series (WUBS) in Japan.

Other match-ups include the debut of Sean Chambers on the FEU bench against Adamson and University of the East versus Santo Tomas to wrap up the opening weekend for the UAAP men’s basketball.