No more thrice-to-beat edge in UAAP

UAAP president Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

In an attempt to have more parity in its competitions, the UAAP has decided to do away with the thrice-to-beat advantages given to teams who sweep the elimination round.

Instead, the no.1 seed will only gain an outright Finals slot in case of an eliminations sweep, while the remaining three teams will still undergo a step-ladder format.

UAAP president Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP of host University of Santo Tomas shared the news on Tuesday during the UAAP preseason press conference at Novotel in Cubao as the UAAP Board pursued minimal changes for Season 79.

The no. 3 and 4 seeds will still face off in a knockout game, with the victor advancing to the next step against the no. 2 seed, which will enjoy a twice-to-beat edge.

It will be observed in all sports, not just in basketball.

Under the old ruling, the top-seed was given a thrice-to-beat advantage in the Finals, needing only two victories to win the championship.

UAAP last observed the rule change in 2007, when UE swept the eliminations but was beaten by La Salle twice in their Finals duel.