Mighty UP eyes FilOil preseason 3-peat as underdog NU stakes upset bid

The 2025 FilOil Preseason Cup final will be held on Sunday, July 27, with defending UAAP champion UP facing perennial UAAP Final Four contender NU. UP, holding a 4-2 record, seeks a third consecutive preseason title, while NU, with a 3-3 record, aims for a strong finish after both teams benefited from a two-week break.

UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde emphasized the challenge NU presents, noting that a win would be significant for the program following the departure of key players Francis Lopez, Quentin Millora-Brown, and JD Cagulangan. The team is now relying on top recruits for UAAP Season 88, including former UE guard Noy Remogat and foreign student-athlete Francis Nnoruka.

NU coach Jeff Napa acknowledged his team's underdog status but stressed the importance of sticking to their game plan as they seek validation after losing high-profile recruits. Veterans like Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, Jolo Manansala, Reinhard Jumamoy, and Omar John remain central to NU's strategy.

Both teams have used the two-week preparation period to recharge and focus for the final showdown. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm at the FilOil San Juan Arena.