UAAP Round 2 Collision Course: Ateneo vs. UE and UST vs. UP Preview

As UAAP Season 88 rolls into Round 2, two matchups on Wednesday, November 5 promise early clues about which teams may stake claims as contenders: at 2:00 PM, the Ateneo Blue Eagles face the UE Red Warriors at the MOA Arena; and at 4:30 PM, the UST Growling Tigers take on the UP Fighting Maroons.

Ateneo vs UE: Blue aim to bounce back, Red Warriors hunt first win

Ateneo enters this clash sitting at 4–5, looking to build momentum under coach Tab Baldwin after last season’s stumble. They’ve bolstered their roster with fresh upgrades and need consistency to climb the standings. 

UE, meanwhile, remains winless and is desperate to find confidence. Their matchup presents a chance for Ateneo to sharpen their depth — especially from bench contributors — while UE must fend off defeat before the pressure mounts.

Key storylines:

• Can Ateneo convert bursts of strong play into sustained dominance? 
• Will UE’s young core show enough composure to finally get over the hump? 
• The rookie spotlight: How much will Ateneo’s new guys impact the bigger picture? 
  

  See the updated standings for the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s, Women’s, and 16U Basketball Tournaments after today’s games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/LHjBJ1eGoz

  — The UAAP (@uaap_official) November 2, 2025

  UST vs UP: Tigers target redemption, Maroons face the target

   

  Later in the afternoon, UST (currently 5–4) hosts UP (also around 6–3) in a heavyweight clash. UST veteran duo Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao are spearheading high expectations for the Growling Tigers, who believe this could be their best roster in years.

   

  UP, as defending champions, still carry the target and must prove that last year’s success wasn’t a fluke with Harold Alarcon and Rey Remogat being the gunners for this Fighting Maroons squad.

   

  Key storylines:

  • UST’s chemistry under pressure: Can this roster step up when it counts? 
  • UP’s mindset as the hunted: Will they evolve or stay static? 
  • The round 2 Final Four race: A win here gives either team a real boost.

  Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!