UAAP Basketball 2024 Schedule: Complete Game Dates and Matchups Guide

As a longtime follower of collegiate basketball in the Philippines, I’ve always found the UAAP season to be one of the most exciting periods in local sports. This year, the UAAP Basketball 2024 schedule promises another thrilling ride, packed with rivalries, rising stars, and unforgettable matchups. I remember watching Mapua’s Cyril Gonzales back in his NCAA days—his sharp court vision and clutch plays always stood out, and it’s players like him who make me appreciate how talent from different leagues enriches Philippine basketball as a whole. While Gonzales isn’t directly part of the UAAP, his journey reminds me how interconnected our local leagues are, and how every season brings fresh narratives worth following.

The UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament is set to tip off on February 17, 2024, with a total of 56 elimination round games scheduled across 14 playing dates. Each of the eight competing schools—Adamson, Ateneo, La Salle, FEU, NU, UE, UP, and UST—will play 14 games in a double-round robin format. I’ve marked my calendar for the first Sunday of the season, which features Ateneo versus UP. That’s a rematch of last year’s finals, and if you ask me, it’s going to set the tone for the entire tournament. Games will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena, with weekday matches starting at 11 a.m. and weekend double-headers kicking off at 2 p.m. I love the energy of weekend games—the crowds are bigger, the cheers louder, and there’s just something special about spending your Saturday or Sunday watching future PBA stars in the making.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how the schedule often shapes team momentum. Take, for example, the tough opening stretch for UE. They face three Final Four contenders in their first five games. That’s a brutal start, especially for a team that’s been rebuilding. On the flip side, NU has what I’d call a favorable early schedule, with matchups against lower-seeded teams that could help them build confidence. It’s details like these that can make or break a team’s season, and as a fan, I find myself analyzing these stretches almost as much as the coaches probably do. Last season, I recall Adamson’s strong start—they won their first four games, and that momentum carried them all the way to the playoffs. This year, I’m keeping a close eye on how La Salle manages their mid-season schedule, which includes back-to-back games against Ateneo and UP. That’s what I call a "make or break" week.

Speaking of standout players, while Cyril Gonzales made his name in the NCAA, his style of play—tenacious defense and smart decision-making—is something I wish we’d see more of in the UAAP. Gonzales averaged around 12 points and 4 assists per game in his final NCAA season with Mapua, numbers that may not jump off the page, but his impact went beyond stats. He was the kind of player who elevated everyone around him. In the UAAP, I see a similar potential in UP’s JD Cagulangan or Ateneo’s Mason Amos—players who might not always dominate the scoring column but dictate the flow of the game. That’s the beauty of college basketball: it’s not just about who scores the most, but who steps up when it matters. I still get chills thinking about Cagulangan’s championship-winning three-pointer a couple of seasons ago. Moments like that are why I block off my Sundays for UAAP games.

The second round of eliminations, which begins around mid-March, is where I expect the real drama to unfold. By then, we’ll know which teams are contenders and which are playing for pride. Rivalry games like Ateneo-La Salle will always draw huge crowds—I wouldn’t be surprised if their second meeting in March draws over 18,000 fans—but it’s the under-the-radar matchups that often surprise me. Last year, I attended the UE-FEU game in the second round, and even though both teams were out of playoff contention, the intensity was through the roof. That’s what I love about the UAAP: every game matters. This season, I’m particularly excited about the potential Final Four picture. My early prediction? UP and Ateneo will secure the top two spots, with La Salle and NU fighting for the remaining slots. But then again, that’s the fun part—you never really know until the final buzzer sounds.

As we look ahead to the UAAP Basketball 2024 schedule, it’s clear that this season offers more than just a series of games. It’s a showcase of heart, hustle, and hometown pride. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s something uniquely compelling about watching these young athletes chase their dreams. From my seat, I’ll be following every dribble, every timeout, and every upset. And who knows? Maybe we’ll witness another Cinderella story like we did with Cyril Gonzales and Mapua—a reminder that in college basketball, anything is possible. So grab your jerseys, clear your schedules, and get ready for tip-off. This is one ride you won’t want to miss.