The UAAP is officially back in action, and host school University of Santo Tomas wanted no time in getting Season 88 underway with an opening weekend packed with basketball. Over at the UST Sports and Athletics Complex (SAC), the first set of games tipped off, marking the start of what promises to be another thrilling season for the league’s most-followed sport.

Of all the events under the UAAP banner, basketball continues to draw the biggest crowds and loudest cheers, booths inside arenas and across screens. While the league also showcases a wide range of competitions, the hardwood has a special way of uniting communities—and that’s why the spotlight is firmly on the basketball schedule.

Last Weekend (Sept 27–28)

The action is back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where powerhouse squads immediately clash. NU and FEU opened both the women’s and men’s divisions last Saturday, followed by the first meeting between UST and DLSU in both brackets. Sunday kept the momentum going with UE taking on UP, and Ateneo facing Adamson, covering all divisions across two jam-packed days. In the end, NU, UST, UP, and Ateneo emerged victorious, setting an early tone for the rest of Season 88.

Early October (Oct 1–5)

The spotlight then shifts to the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, where the host school gets its first home court action. UST faces NU in both men’s and women’s play, while La Salle and FEU reignite their own rivalry. By October 5, the scene moves to the Mall of Asia Arena, headlined by the much-anticipated Ateneo–La Salle men’s showdown—a matchup that never fails to draw national attention.

Mid-Round Battles (Oct 8–15)

The intensity continues with NU battling Adamson, Ateneo meeting UP, and more school-spirit heavyweights facing off. October 11 brings UST and Ateneo together for a classic Katipunan–España duel, while October 12 features another highlight in DLSU vs. NU at the Pavilion. The middle stretch closes on October 15 at MOA, where UST takes on FEU in a clash of tradition-rich programs.

Closing Stretch (Oct 18–22)

October 18 features NU vs. Ateneo at Araneta, another marquee game, plus Adamson taking on UST. The next day, UE meets FEU while UP battles La Salle. Finally, October 22 serves as a women’s basketball showcase at MOA, with four straight games culminating in a UST vs. UP duel to close Round 1.

As the season moves forward, fans can expect more stacked weekends filled with back-to-back games that showcase the skill, grit, and school pride the UAAP is known for. With UST serving as this year’s host, the atmosphere around campus is especially electric, as students, alumni, and supporters rally behind their teams while welcoming the entire UAAP community.

Season 88 basketball is only just getting started, but if the opening weekend is any indication, we’re in for high drama, tight scores, and unforgettable moments.

PHOTOS: uaap.official (via Instagram)