By NIKOLE JAVIER
Defending champion University of the Philippines tries to close out its first round campaign on a winning note as it battles University of Santo Tomas as the UAAP Season 85 goes to the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City for the first time Saturday, Oct. 22.
The Fighting Maroons, who outlasted the gritty University of the East Red Warriors last Oct. 19, 84-77, battle the Tigers at 1 p.m. with the former out to regain the solo lead.
After three hard-fought wins, the Maroons are expected to have a smooth ending to the first round owing to UST’s own woes.
They are currently tied for the lead with the rejuvenated National University Bulldogs with similar 5-1records.
Expected to lead the Maroons are Terrence Fortea, Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano – who all finished with 13 points in their win over the UE Warriors.
Since winning their opening game against the Adamson Falcons, the Tigers have since spiraled out of control, losing their next five games for a dismal 1-5 card.
The La Salle Archers, meantime, try to arrest a two-game losing run when they clash with the Falcons at 4:30 p.m.
The Archers are still nursing from back-to-back losses to UE and NU.
