University of Santo Tomas (UST) hopes to gain a measure of revenge against the University of the Philippines (UP) as they open their UAAP Season 88 campaign on their homecourt at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on September 21.

The Fighting Maroons ended the Growling Tigers’ bid for redemption in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Final 4, claiming a 78-69 victory to seal their fourth consecutive finals appearance.

UP would go on to dethrone De La Salle University in a finals series that went the distance.

After having their best season in five years, the Tigers beefed up their squad with new additions from their grassroots program headlined by Koji Beunaflor, Charles Bucsit and Carl Manding.

UST also added former rival and boys’ MVP Collins Akowe from National University-Nazareth School, who is likely to fill in the foreign student-athlete slot following the sudden exit of Malian center Mo Tounkara.

Seasoned players such as Nic Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao and Kyle Paranda are still expected to make some noise for the España-based squad. Rising stars Ice Danting, Amiel Acido and Gelo Crisostomo will also provide additional firepower for UST.

UP will look to retain its poise as battle-hardened talents such as Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Janjan Felcilda, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres return for their title defense.

Big men Gani Stevens and Sean Alter will also look to step up for the Diliman squad following the departures of Francis Lopez, Quentin Millora-Brown and Seven Gagate. Meanwhile, ex-Red Warrior standout Rey Remogat will look to fill the void left by former finals MVP JD Cagulangan in the guard spot.

The schedule of games is yet to be finalized, but all UAAP basketball games will be held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion for September as it is set to coincide with the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Championship. (ABS-CBN News)