I still remember sitting in the Araneta Coliseum last season, watching Rain or Shine's Aljon Caracut make that desperate pass in the final seconds against La Salle. Coach Guiao later called it exactly what it was - a "desperation attempt" - and honestly, that's what makes UAAP basketball so thrilling. You never know when a game will turn on one of those heart-stopping moments where players either become heroes or learn tough lessons. That's why I'm particularly excited about UAAP Season 87, and I've been digging into the schedule to plan my viewing parties and arena visits.
The season kicks off on September 7th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with a double-header that promises fireworks. UP Fighting Maroons face the Adamson Soaring Falcons at 2 PM, followed by the Ateneo Blue Eagles battling the UE Red Warriors at 4 PM. I've marked my calendar for that Saturday because opening weekend always sets the tone for the entire season. Last year, I missed the opening games thinking I could catch up later, but you really can't replicate the electric atmosphere of those first matches. The energy is just different - you can feel the hope and anticipation from every fan base.
What I love about this season's schedule is how they've spaced out the classic rivalries. The first round of the Ateneo-La Salle showdown happens on October 12th at the Mall of Asia Arena, which gives both teams time to find their rhythm before facing off. I'm planning to arrive at least three hours early for that game because the MOA Arena parking situation becomes absolutely chaotic - trust me, I learned this the hard way last season when I missed the entire first quarter circling for parking. The second round between these archrivals is scheduled for November 16th at Araneta, which I actually prefer because the Big Dome just has that classic basketball feel that modern arenas can't quite match.
The tournament format remains the same double-round elimination with 14 games per team, but what's interesting is how the schedule balances traditional powerhouses and rising contenders. For instance, the NU Bulldogs play back-to-back games against UP and Ateneo in the second week of October, which could either make or break their season early on. I'm particularly watching how the UE Red Warriors will perform under their new coach - they have a relatively easier start facing Adamson and FEU in their first two games, which could build crucial momentum before facing tougher opponents.
Speaking of crucial momentum, that desperation play by Caracut last season taught me that every single game matters in the UAAP. One bad pass, one missed free throw, one questionable call can determine whether a team makes the Final Four or watches from the sidelines. That's why I'm planning to attend at least eight games in person this season, focusing particularly on the mid-season matchups between November 1st and 15th, when teams typically hit their stride and the playoff picture starts becoming clearer. Last season, I noticed that teams who performed well during this period almost always secured playoff spots.
The elimination round wraps up on December 8th, with the Final Four beginning on December 11th. If we get a step-ladder format again, the third and fourth seeds will play on that Tuesday, followed by the second seed facing the winner on December 14th. The best-of-three finals series is scheduled to begin on December 17th, with potential games on December 19th and 21st if necessary. I'm already saving up for finals tickets because watching a Game 3 in person is absolutely worth the premium price - the tension in the arena during those winner-take-all matches is simply unforgettable.
What many casual fans don't realize is how the schedule can impact player performance and coaching strategies. Teams playing their second game in four days often show fatigue, especially during the September 25th to October 5th stretch where most teams play three games in eleven days. Coaches have to manage minutes carefully during this period, and we often see upsets happen when deeper benches outlast star-dependent teams. I remember last season when La Salle's deep rotation helped them sweep this challenging stretch while other teams struggled.
The tournament takes a brief break from October 28th to November 3rd, which I think is strategically placed to allow teams to recover from minor injuries and make adjustments. Smart coaches use this break to fix issues that emerged during the first round - much like how Coach Guiao would analyze those desperation plays and work on better decision-making for crunch time situations. Personally, I use this break to rewatch recorded games and analyze team patterns, which makes the second round viewing experience much richer.
Ticket purchasing has become significantly easier through the SM Tickets app, though I still prefer buying physical tickets for elimination games against traditional rivals because they make great memorabilia. For the 28 elimination round games per team, prices range from ₱200 for general admission to ₱1,500 for patron seats, but I'd recommend spending the extra ₪300 for lower box seats if you can - the viewing angle is perfect and you're close enough to hear the coaches' instructions and players' communications.
As someone who's followed UAAP basketball for fifteen seasons now, I can confidently say that understanding the schedule is crucial to fully appreciating the tournament narrative. The beauty of college basketball lies in these young athletes growing through the season, learning from mistakes like Caracut's desperate pass, and potentially becoming heroes when it matters most. This season's calendar sets up beautifully for dramatic storylines, and I'm particularly excited about how the November matchups might determine the final playoff picture. See you at the games
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