CAN anyone spoil the impending Round 3 of the University of the Philippines vs. La Salle?
That seems to be the task for the other six teams, as the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament tips off this Saturday
The Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers still being the teams to beat for this tournament remained the consensus on Monday during the preseason press conference at Gloria Maris in Greenhills.
READ: The must-see matchups in UAAP Season 88
But to the coaches, University of Santo Tomas and National University shouldn't be far behind.
"UST, because that homecourt advantage early on will be big for them," said UE coach Chris Gavina, highlighting the schedule where the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion will serve as venue for a number of game days in the first round.
"UST at NU, sila yung tingin kong aabot talaga," responded Adamson coach Nash Racela.
"Malakas talaga yung UST," replied Bulldogs mentor Jeff Napa.
Nothing easy in UAAP Season 88
Yet as much as those four teams emerged as top of mind for shot-callers, there's no question to them that this season will be far more competitive than years past.
Far Eastern University coach Sean Chambers, however, dared to be different.
"Aside from UP and La Salle, FEU's gonna be a problem," he said, confident of his Tamaraws' chances this season.
Let's see if those predictions hold fort.
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