UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas has had the luxury of homecourt advantage for majority of its matches this UAAP Season 88.
But on Saturday, that won't be the case, as it steps inside enemy territory when it plays Ateneo at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Leadership will be at stake when the Growling Tigers (3-1) and the Blue Eagles (4-1) face off at 4:30 p.m.
But for the black-and-gold, they understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the mounting expectations coming their way.
"May goal kami na tina-target and we are focused on achieving that regardless kung saan man nilalaro yung games," said UST team captain Nic Cabanero.
Coach Tab Baldwin, meanwhile, is just hopeful that the blue-and-white delegation will make the most of that homecourt edge, especially with Ateneo looking for a bounce back win after absorbing its first defeat at the hands of the University of the Philippines last Wednesday.
"We don't want that to be a distraction, but for it to really be a homecourt advantage for us, we expect the fans, the students to really show their support and make it a special day for the team," he said.
Welcome back to the win column, Adamson or UE?
Struggling teams Adamson (1-4) and University of the East (0-4) face off at 2 p.m. as they both try to get out of their respective funks.
The Soaring Falcons are in the midst of a three-game losing skid, including a tough 56-54 defeat to National U last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors are still in the hunt for that first W after losing steam in the second half to fall to UST, 111-99, last week.
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