JRU stuns Letran in its NCAA season opener

c/o NCAA

Jose Rizal University pulled off a stunner to start their stint at the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament on Friday, securing a 73-69 nail-biter against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Friday afternoon in San Juan.

Leading by as much as sixteen points, the Heavy Bombers had to deal with a strong final period from the Knights, as they scored 23 points.

A free throw from Jonathan Manalili managed to make it a one-possession game with fourteen seconds left, but Justin Lozano would restore the two-possession lead on a free throw after a quick foul by the Knights.

Chad Gammad missed a three with nine seconds remaining, and although Lozano would miss two free throws after being fouled three seconds later, Letran ran out of time to stumble on their season opener.

New head coach Nani Epondulan says about the game, "Lagi nating sinasabi na kung merong tatakbo dapat kami."

The JRU legend adds, "Lagi ko ring sinasabi sa kanila na ibigay nila kahat kasi noon pa lang, nobody was expecting us kung anong magiging performance namin."

Lozano finished with a game-high seventeen points, while also adding three rebounds and three assists. Sean Salvador added ten for the Heavy Bombers, while Ivan Panapanaan had a near-double-double with eight points and fourteen rebounds.

Jimboy Estrada led Letran with fourteen points, five rebounds, four assists, and a couple of steals before fouling out. Manalili and Gammad each added eleven markers, with the former also chipping in six boards and three dimes.

Making up for the defeat is the Squires' 62-52 victory over the Light Bombers in juniors action. Harvey Macadangdang led the way with fourteen points in the victory. Letran limited their opponents to just nineteen points in the second half to emerge victorious. 

The Knights are set to tangle against rivals San Beda on Sunday afternoon, while JRU gets Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday.

The scores (Srs and Jrs)

JRU 73 – Lozano 17, Salvador 10, Panapanaan 8, Peñaverde 7, Garupil 6, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 6, Benitez 5, Argente 4, Sarmiento 2, Castillo 2, Esguerra 0, Duque 0

LETRAN 69 – Estrada 14, Manalili 11, Gammad 11, Roque 10, Santos 10, Tapenio 9, Rosilio 2, Omega 2, Yusi 0, Silorio 0, Buensalida 0

The scores:

LETRAN 62 – Macadangdag 14, Cargo 8, Dahino 8, M. Pascual 8, T. Pascual 7, Egea 5, Lumague 4, Valdeavilla 4, Villanueva 2, Cabañero 2, Chua 0, Timbol 0, Gelin 0, Barrieta

JRU 52 – Laxamana 12, Taparan 10, Callueng 8, Mallorca 7, Sapatram 6, Ong 4, Ruedas 3, Estocapio 2, Loque 0, Tailan 0, Palles 0, Roales 0, Caspe 0 

Quarter scores: 16-18, 35-33, 56-43, 62-52

NU set for tough test against defending champions

Standings   W  L
Men
NU               3    0
Ateneo        3    0
UST             2    1
DLSU           2    1
AdU             1    2
UP               1    2
FEU              0    3
UE                0    3

Women
UST             2    0
Ateneo        2    0
UP               2    0
NU               1    1
FEU              1    1
AdU             0    2
UE                0    2
DLSU           0    2

JHS Boys
AdU 3-0
NUNS 3-0
UST 2-1
UE 2-1
FEU 2-1
DLSZ 0-3
Ateneo 0-3
UPIS 0-3

Games Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena
7:30 a.m. –  UE vs UST (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UPIS vs NU (16U)
11:30 a.m. – UE vs UST (Women)
1:30 p.m. – UST vs UE (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs NU (Men)
7 p.m. – UP vs NU (Women)

AFTER hurdling its biggest test of the young UAAP Collegiate Men’s Basketball season, National University faces another tough challenge against defending champion University of the Philippines this Saturday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Bulldogs are enjoying their finest start in the Final Four era, with coach Jeff Napa pleased to see his players on the same page.

NU is currently tied with Ateneo at 3-0, the tournament’s two unlikely leaders after both squads finished at the bottom of the standings last season.

"Yung character kasi, hindi ko na para i-question ‘yon sa mga bata at players ko ‘eh. Especially (Omar John), he changed a lot. Thankful kami talaga na yung pagbabago niya, for the better — as a player and as a person. Nagbi-benefit talaga yung team. Maybe he’s matured enough to understand everything. His teammates really support him well. Siguro ‘yon yung maganda na nangyayari, they trust each other and no one will be left behind," said Napa.

("Their character is something I don’t question anymore, especially with my players. Omar John, in particular, has changed a lot. We’re really thankful for the positive changes he’s made, both as a player and as a person. It’s really benefiting the team. Maybe he’s matured enough to understand everything, and his teammates are supporting him well. I think what’s great is that they trust each other, and no one gets left behind.")

The Bulldogs hope to sustain their high level of play in the 4:30 p.m. duel with the Fighting Maroons.

Behind Gambian center Omar John and leading scorer Jake Figueroa, NU pricked University of Santo Tomas’ bubble on its home floor with a 76-69 win in a showdown of unbeaten teams Wednesday night.

UP finally got over the hump with a 92-75 win over University of the East last Sunday, ending a two-game skid.

For coach Goldwin Monteverde, the victory will serve as a morale booster for the Fighting Maroons as they brace for an inspired Bulldogs side.

"I guess winning this game in this way would make us realize that it’s very important to play together. It’s not just about talent, it’s about having a quick intuition on making decisions din," said Monteverde.

The Growling Tigers aim to get back on track against the Red Warriors in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser. Sporting a 2-1 record, UST is currently tied with De La Salle in third place, while UE, still searching for its first win under new coach Chris Gavino, is tied with Far Eastern University at 0-3.

In Collegiate Women’s play, UST and UP stake their unbeaten 2-0 records against a dangerous UE and titleholder NU, respectively.

Coming off an impressive 76-62 romp over the Lady Bulldogs, the Tigresses remain wary of the Lady Warriors, who have shown improvement under first-year mentor Ian Valdez, in the 11:30 a.m. contest.

"There’s so much more to improve sa team and day by day naman, kino-correct namin yung mga mali namin and the things that we have to improve para as we go on sa every game namin, we will see improvement until the end of the first round," said UST coach Haydee Ong.

("There’s still a lot we need to work on as a team, and day by day we’re correcting our mistakes and focusing on the areas we need to improve. As we go through each game, I’m confident we’ll see progress by the end of the first round.")

The Fighting Maroons are also aware that the Lady Bulldogs will be eager to vent their ire in the 7 p.m. clash.

"Just like every game namin, we tap ourselves on our shoulders. It was a win we were really dying for, but after that, we’re looking forward to the next game. NU is a big challenge definitely now dahil ganito yung pinakita namin. Hopefully, we can take some positives out of it and we’ll work on our lapses," said coach Paul Ramos after UP nipped UE, 84-75, in overtime.

("Like every game, we give ourselves some credit. It was a win we really needed, but now we’re already looking forward to the next one. NU is definitely going to be a big challenge given how we played. Hopefully, we can take some positives from this and work on the areas where we slipped up.")

In Junior High School Boys' action, unbeaten NU-Nazareth School guns for its fourth straight win against UP Integrated School at 9:30 a.m., following holders UE and UST, who take the floor at 7:30 a.m.

Games air on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

Perpetual start Season 101 campaign with San Sebastian beatdown

c/o NCAA

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta kickstarted its NCAA Season 101 seniors basketball campaign with a strong defensive effort, securing a 67-54 triumph over San Sebastian College-Recoletos Friday afternoon in San Juan.

Mark Gojo Cruz led all scorers with fifteen points in the victory, adding a couple of rebounds and assists. Supporting him ably are the trio of John Abis, JP Boral, and Patrick Sleat, who each chipped in ten markers.

Head coach Olsen Racela shares about the victory, "Having that first win is always a welcome (sight) pero we have a lot of things to cover."

He adds, "This is just one win but I think I liked our defensive effort today." The Altas forced the retooled Golden Stags to 15/53 shooting.

With the victory, Perpetual joins Mapua atop Group A with their respective victories. They'll face Lyceum this Sunday at high noon for a chance at back-to-back wins.

Tristan Felebrico was the only Golden Stag to score in double figures with twelve points while contributing seven rebounds, an assist, and a steal. He made his living from the free throw line, making ten of his twelve attempts from the stripe to make up for his 1/8 field goal shooting.

San Sebastian gets a few days off before facing Arellano on Tuesday morning.

The Junior Altas made it 2/2 for the Las Pinas-based university with their 78-61 win over the Golden Staglets, as they began their quest for a repeat in juniors action.

Jim Corpuz led all scorers with seventeen points, while Lance Nitura put forth a near-triple-double performance with nine points, six rebounds, and seven assists, with three steals.

The scores: (Jrs and Srs)

PERPETUAL HELP 78 – Corpuz 17, Rosales 13, Zanoria 11, Nitura 9, Velasquez 6, Binagatan 5, Ferrer 4, Villaruel 4, Llupar 3, Zamoras 3, Dulanas 2, Ignacio 1, Cristobal 0 Patalinghug 0

SAN SEBASTIAN 61 – Tepan 16, Castillo 12, Scott 10, Aninipot 8, Ynot 4, Ramiso 3, Victoria 3, Gaviola 2, Dela Cruz 2, Canillo 1, Urbina 0, Pacheco 0, Gutierrez 0, Rizano 0

Quarter scores: 13-13, 40-35, 57-46, 78-61

UPHSD 67 - Cruz 15, Sleat 10, Boral 10, Abis 10, Orgo 8, Tulabut 6, Maglupay 2, Casinillo 2, Nunez 2, Duremdes 2, Alcantara 0, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0

SSC-R 54 - Felebrico 12, Dela Rama 8, Gabat 7, Ricio 7, Are 6, Cuajao 6, Dimaunahan 3, Castor 2, Velasco 2, Nepacena 1, Lumanag 0

UP, La Salle battle to goalless deadlock

c/o UAAP

Women's Matches on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Field
4 p.m. - Ateneo vs UST
6:30 p.m. - FEU vs DLSU

De La Salle University held tournament leader University of the Philippines to a goalless stalemate in the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.

Anchored by the defense of rookie defender Bacchus Ekberg and goalkeeper Edcel Lauron, the Green Booters successfully stifled the Fighting Maroons’ vaunted attack line. With the draw, La Salle climbed to third place with four points and a goal difference of 0, just behind the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters on goal difference.

Ekberg nearly delivered the breakthrough for La Salle on a counterattack, but his cross inside the box in the 57th minute went straight to UP keeper Fonzy Gonzalez.

"We know that UP is a strong team, but we're here to play. We just did our best to win na even though most of my players are new, but when they follow the gameplan, the instructions, we can win this game. So, we prepared for this because we know how they play, and we somehow succeeded," said newly installed head coach Richard Leyble.

La Salle will next face archrival Ateneo on Sunday when the action shifts to the UP Football Stadium at 4 p.m.

On the other hand, the result was far from flattering for the Fighting Maroons, who nevertheless kept their hold on the top spot with seven points and a +3 goal difference.

Both sides had promising moments from the wings, with UP’s Cian Galsim and Jian Caraig creating chances, but Lauron calmly dealt with every attempt that came his way.

Florenz Tacardon came closest to breaking the deadlock for UP, but his shot late in the second half also went straight into the hands of the La Salle keeper.

"We just have to go back in training and work on our decision-making better inside the field. They should make the right decisions depending on the situation and just enjoy the game," said UP head coach Popoy Clarino.

The Fighting Maroons return to their home pitch next Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m., where they look to get back on track against Adamson.

Adamson escapes to maintain unbeaten record, joins NUNS atop UAAP Girls Volleyball

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Standings
NUNS 3-0
AdU 3-0
DLSZ 2-1
UPIS 2-1
UST 1-2
FEU-D 1-2
Ateneo 0-3
UE 0-3

Games on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym
Girls (Court 1)
9 a.m. – UPIS vs. NUNS
11 a.m. – DLSZ vs. FEU-D
1 p.m. – AdU vs. Ateneo
3 p.m. – UE vs. UST

Boys (Court 2)
9 a.m. – DLSZ vs. UST
11 a.m. – Ateneo vs. NUNS
1 p.m. – UPIS vs. UE
3 p.m. – FEU-D vs. AdU

ADAMSON University pulled off a dramatic reverse sweep of University of Santo Tomas, while National University–Nazareth School kept its perfect record intact with a win over Far Eastern University–Diliman in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at Paco Arena.

The Lady Baby Falcons refused to fold, clawing back to outlast the Junior Golden Tigresses, 18-25, 15-25, 25-23, 27-25, 15-11, to seize a share of first place.

After erasing a six-point deficit in the fourth set to force a decider, Adamson surged in the fifth, racing to an 8-2 lead behind Ellaine Gonzalvo’s relentless swings and Seanne Ordonio’s steady net defense.

UST showed grit, however, capitalizing on Adamson’s attack errors and leaning on Jezel Silvestre to trim the deficit to just two, 9-11. But the Lady Baby Falcons held on as Elaine Garces executed a crafty 1-2 play to reach match point, with Francheska Adem providing the final touch to complete the comeback.

“Based on the situation… sobrang hirap kami talaga sa first and second set. Sabi ko sa mga bata, ‘Kaya natin manalo. Kaya natin, matatrabaho natin. Balik tayo doon sa pinag-aralan natin, sa training natin, and then kailangan lang natin i-execute nang maayos’. So na-execute naman nang maayos [at] tinapangan ng mga bata especially ‘yung puso tsaka ‘yung mind talaga nila is maayos,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.

“Itong game na ‘to is napakalaking boost talaga sa confidence ng mga bata kasi sa unang part, down na eh. Nada-down na sila eh. So ngayon, nakita na nila capability nila na kaya nila manalo kahit ang lalaki ng mga kalaban namin then ang lalakas din, ang gaganda nila mag-serve,” he added.

Gonzalvo proved unstoppable for the Lady Baby Falcons, scoring 22 points on 20 attacks and adding 11 digs. Kristal Martin contributed 17 markers, including three service aces, eight digs, and four receptions, while Adem added 15 points in the two-hour contest. Garces orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets, as libero Maegan Pineda anchored the defense with 18 digs.

Pelaez led the Junior Golden Tigresses with 17 points on 14 attacks and two aces, while Kim Rubin and Silvestre added 14 and 13 markers, respectively. UST dropped to 1-2, tying FEU-Diliman for fifth place.

Earlier, defending champion NUNS overcame a slow start to subdue FEU-D, 17-25, 25-12, 25-21, 25-17.

“Kailangan namin maayos siguro ‘yung discipline pagdating sa game from start to end, kailangan nandun pa rin [and] same intensity,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.

“Actually, sobrang challenging sa amin kasi parang five players [from the team] kasama rin sa Asian Youth Games so ‘yung training medyo hati pa. So ‘yun ‘yung kailangan naming ma-balance, ‘yung preparation ng UAAP sa next game, and ‘yung preparation namin sa Asian Youth Games,” he added.

The Lady Bullpups took control in the fourth set, stringing together eight straight points to build a 17-10 lead, fueled by attacks from Diza Berayo and a pair of aces from Akeyla Bartolabac. FEU-D could not recover, as Bartolabac’s off-the-block attack brought NUNS to match point at 24-16. A brief reception error allowed FEU-D a point, but Berayo quickly sealed the win with a kill through the block.

Berayo led the Lady Bullpups with a season-best 26 points on 24 kills and eight digs. Jhaynna Bulandres added 13 points on nine attacks with three aces, while libero Atasha Doroja anchored the defense with 15 excellent digs in the one-hour, 34-minute contest.

For FEU-D, Ifunanya Udeagbala posted 20 points, including 18 kills and two blocks. The Lady Bullpups improved to 3-0, tying for the top spot, while the Lady Baby Tamaraws fell to 1-2.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Integrated School returned to the win column, defeating Ateneo de Manila University in five sets, 22-25, 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 15-13, moving into a share of third place at 2-1.

Nina Abad led the Fighting Maroons with 18 points on 12 kills and six aces, while Elisha Capus and Anya Callo added 12 each. Gian Damian kept Ateneo competitive with 17 points on 15 kills, and Luanne Atienza contributed 15 markers with nine attacks and four blocks. Ateneo remained winless at 0-3.

De La Salle Zobel bounced back from its loss to NUNS, cruising past University of the East in just 50 minutes, 25-6, 25-8, 25-9. Jelliane Laborte spearheaded DLSZ’s attack with 14 points on 8-of-12 kills, five aces, and a block, while Justise Macasaet added 12 markers, including a match-best seven service aces, both achieved in just two sets of play.

The Junior Lady Spikers improved to 2-1, tying UPIS for third place, while the Junior Lady Warriors fell to 0-3.

La Salle stomps UST in UAAP Women's Chess

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Chess Standings

Men Match Pts (Board Pts)
UST 2.0 (3.0)
UP 2.0 (3.0)
Ateneo 1.0 (2.0)
FEU 1.0 (2.0)
AdU 0.0 (1.0)
DLSU 0.0 (1.0)

Women Match Pts (Board Pts)
UST 4.0 (7.0)
DLSU 4..0 (6.0)
NU 4.0 (5.5)
Ateneo 2.0 (5.0)
FEU 2.0 (5.0)
UP 1.0 (4.0)
AdU 1.0 (3.0)

1pm Ties on Saturday at the Adamson Gym

Men
UST vs ADU
Ateneo vs DLSU
UP vs FEU

Women
ADU vs DLSU
NU vs Ateneo
FEU vs UP

De La Salle University sent University of Santo Tomas crashing with a near shutout, 3.5-0.5, in the UAAP Season 88 Women's Chess Tournament, Wednesday at the Adamson Gym.

For La Salle coach Jan Jodilyn Fronda, the win was a welcome boost of momentum as they brace for consecutive battles against championship-caliber opponents this weekend.

"Magandang build-up ng confidence sa mga bata na nakakuha sila ng momentum ngayong round against UST. Sana yung momentum na yun magtuloy-tuloy hanggang sa mga susunod na round," said Fronda, as they are set to face National University and Far Eastern University on Sunday.

Woman National Master Francois Magpily (1/2) set the tone for the Lady Woodpushers with a dominant performance on the top board, forcing Precious Yecla (2/3) to resign by the 40th move after an unstoppable mating attack.

On Board 2, rookie Juzeia Agne (1/1) displayed her endgame prowess against Jamaica Lagio (1.5/3), turning an almost equal position into a win through precise queen maneuvers that created a passed pawn, sealing the victory on the 55th move.

Rinoa Sadey (2/2) added another point for La Salle on Board 3 after 45 moves of a Closed Sicilian Defense while playing the white pieces against Josemier Panol (2/3).

Rookie Heart Padilla (1.5/2) then settled for a draw with UST's Rohanisah Buto (0.5/1) after a 78-move marathon on Board 4, completing La Salle's domination.

Meanwhile, National University followed up its earlier upset of defending champions Far Eastern University with a clinical 3-1 victory over University of the Philippines.

Women's FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (2/2), Jersey Marticio (2/2), and Kyla Dalagan (1/1) all secured victories on Boards 1, 2, and 4 against Raiza Locmayoan (1/3), Janice Monsales (1/3), and Kathrine Tundag (0/1), respectively.

Maryss Caldoza (2/3) scored UP's lone win against Jelaince Adriano (0.5/2) on Board 3.

Ateneo de Manila University also bounced back from back-to-back losses with an impressive 3.5-0.5 triumph over Adamson University.

Ma. Elayza Villa (1.5/3), Alphecca Gonzales (1/3), and Francine Magpily (1/1) defeated Adamson's Phoebie Arellano (0.5/3), Angela San Luis (1/3), and Lira Placer (0/1), respectively.

Jiessel Marino (1.5/3) rounded out the win for Ateneo with a draw against Ma. Christina Samarita (0.5/2) on the top board.

Second half explosion anchors UST women triumph over NU

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Standings
UST 2-0
Ateneo 2-0
UP 2-0
NU 1-1
FEU 1-1
AdU 0-2
UE 0-2
DLSU 0-2

Games on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
7:30 a.m. – UE vs UST (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UPIS vs NUNS (16U)
11:30 a.m.  – UE vs UST (Women)
1:30 p.m. – UE vs UST (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs NU (Men)
7 p.m. – UP vs NU (Women)

In a rematch of the last two seasons’ Finals series, University of Santo Tomas broke down National University, 76-62, for its second win in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at their home gym - the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Growling Tigresses got some vengeance on the Lady Bulldogs, who won the title last year after a hard-fought three-game finale, to improve to 2-0 alongside the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Last season, NU swept the elimination round and was one win away from sweeping the tournament, but UST denied them with a Game 2 victory in the Finals.

This time, the Growling Tigresses made sure that there would be no elims sweep for the Lady Bulldogs, giving them their first loss in just their second game.

“Sinabi ko naman sa girls na tonight, it’s all about how the Tigresses play their basketball. It’s all about their effort. We’re missing our shots, and what is important tonight is we adjusted and played our defense to clamp on those scorers of NU,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong as they finally won a game in the elimination round against NU after going 0-14 since Season 79.

After trailing by as big as 16 in the first half, the Lady Bulldogs were able to cut the deficit to four in the third, 38-42, but the Growling Tigresses responded with an 18-4 blast to close the quarter with a 60-42 lead. Amby Ambos punched in all of her 10 points in that run.

UST took advantage of an NU side that has no foreign student-athlete in the paint and Angel Surada’s foul trouble early in the game to grab a massive 78-37 discrepancy in the rebounding department.

The Growling Tigresses hauled in 43 offensive rebounds, even more than the entire rebounding output for the Lady Bulldogs, which also led to 40 more field goal attempts, 98-58.

Nigerian center Oma Onianwa led UST anew with 18 points and 15 rebounds - 12 coming from the offensive end, while Kent Pastrana produced 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block.

Eka Soriano added 11 points and four rebounds, while CJ Maglupay and Coi Danganan grabbed 11 rebounds each while scoring six and five points, respectively.

UST looks to make it 3-0 when it faces the University of the East on Saturday, still at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Xyza Pring paced the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the free throw line while Ann Pingol chipped in 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Surada, a Mythical Team member last season, was held to just three points and two rebounds.

NU will aim for a bounce back on Saturday as well against an undefeated UP side.

The Scores:

UST (76) - Onianwa 18, Pastrana 12, Soriano 11, Ambos 10, Maglupay 6, E. Danganan 5, Pineda 5, Santos 3, Pescador 3, Sierba 2, Bron 1, Relliquette 0, McAlary 0.

NU (62) - Pring 12, Pingol 10, Villanueva 9, Cayabyab 8, Solis 8, Betanio 6, Alterado 4, Surada 3, S. Medina 2, D. Medina 0, Garcia 0, Canindo 0.

Quarterscores: 20-13, 40-30, 60-42, 76-62.

San Beda topples College of St. Benilde in NCAA Season 101 opener

c/o NCAA

San Beda starts off its NCAA Season 101 campaign on a winning note, topping the College of Saint Benilde, 96-85, in the second game of the doubleheader at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Red Lions avenged their Final Four defeat against the Blazers, with Bryan Sajonia leading the way with sixteen points and three steals, as well as a rebound and an assist.

Janti Miller impressed in his official collegiate debut, coming off the bench to also score sixteen markers, while grabbing six rebounds.

Fresh from being selected sixth overall in the just-concluded PBA Draft, Yukien Andrada began his final season in Mendiola with eleven points.

San Beda would overcome trailing in the first quarter to take a 48-45 halftime lead. A strong finish to the third quarter allowed them to extend it to double-digits at 71-61, before expanding it to as large as seventeen in the final period.

CSB would managed to cut that down to a two-possession game at 91-85 on an Allen Liwag bucket with 72 seconds remaining, but those would be the final points of the Blazers in the game, as free throws from Sajonia, Miller, and Jimuel Reyes down the stretch provided the much-needed breathing room.

Liwag contributed a double-double for last season's losing finalists with twelve points and twelve rebounds, while adding four assists. Justine Sanchez led all scorers with 24 points. Ian Torres was the other player in double figures with thirteen markers.

San Beda is set to face Letran on Sunday, while CSB looks to correct its skid against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday. Both matches to be played in San Juan.

THE SCORES:

SAN BEDA 96 – Sajonia 16, Miller 16, Reyes 13, Andrada 11, Etulle 9, Gonzales 8, Calimag 7, Celzo 6, Culdora 4, Bonzalida 4, Lina 2, Estacio 0

ST. BENILDE 85 – Sanchez 24, Torres 13, Liwag 12, Ancheta 8, Celis 6, Oli 6, Cometa 4, Cajucom 4, Moore 3, Morales 3, Gaspay 2, Umali 0, Eusebio 0, Daja 0

NU slays UST in batlle of unbeaten squads

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Standings
NU 3-0
Ateneo 3-0
UST 2-1
DLSU 2-1
AdU 1-2
UP 1-2
FEU 0-3
UE 0-3

Games on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
7:30 a.m. – UE vs UST (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UPIS vs NUNS (16U)
11:30 a.m.  – UE vs UST (Women)
1:30 p.m. – UE vs UST (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs NU (Men)
7 p.m. – UP vs NU (Women)

National University effectively stopped Collins Akowe to outlast University of Santo Tomas in its home floor, the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, 76-69, and stay spotless in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday.

The Bulldogs, well-aware of the former NU Nazareth School foreign student-athlete play, limited Akowe to just a season-low five points on 1-of-7 shooting from the field and eight rebounds.

Prior to this, Akowe averaged 24.5 points and 18.0 rebounds in the Growling Tigers’ 2-0 start with big wins against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle University Green Archers - the last two seasons’ finalists.

“The players really worked hard talaga na makuha ito… Happy for our guys na talagang they followed the game plan. They are disciplined to do it, the effort is there yun naman ang laging sinasabi ko sa kanila,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa as they are now leveled with idle Ateneo de Manila University at 3-0 atop the standings.

(“The players really worked hard to get this… I’m happy for our guys because they really followed the game plan. They are disciplined enough to do it, the effort is there—that’s what I always tell them.")

Jake Figueroa, meanwhile, made the shots that counted the most for the Bulldogs to tilt the game to their side.

With UST up by a point, Gelo Santiago came through with a layup before Figueroa made it a three-point lead for NU with a step-back jumper, 70-67 with 1:52 left.

Nic Cabañero retaliated for the Growling Tigers to inch within a point, 69-70, but Figueroa seized the moment again with a booming three-pointer with 38.2 seconds remaining that served as the dagger that came after a UST turnover.

The Growling Tigers could not execute on the other end that spelled doom in the end.

“Tinake advantage ko lang ‘yung binigay na responsibilidad ni coach na ‘yun nga, kumbaga kailangan kong akuin so ayun kahit papaano pumapasok naman,” said Figueroa, who had 22 points, including nine in the fourth period, while also grabbing nine rebounds.

(“I just took advantage of the responsibility that coach gave me—basically, it was something I had to own—so I did my part and it worked out somehow.")

Gambian center Omar John also outplayed Akowe for NU, registering 10 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and two steals

On the other hand, UST’s dream start came to an end, dropping to 2-1, tied with La Salle at third.

Cabañero paced the Growling Tigers with 19 points on an 8-of-19 clip from the field while Amiel Acido erupted for a career-high 18 points in the defeat.

Mark Llemit also contributed 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block while Forthsky Padrigao got 10 points and six assists.

Both teams will be back on Saturday with NU clashing with UP at 4:30 p.m. while UST aims to bounce back at 1:30 p.m. against winless University of the East, still at the QPav.

The Scores:

NU (76) – Figueroa 22, John 10, Palacielo 10, Garcia 9, Enriquez 7, Francisco 5, Santiago 4, Parks 3, Manansala 2, Jumamoy 2, Dela Cruz 2, Padrones 0, Solomon 0, Tulabut 0, Navarro 0.
       
UST (69) – Cabañero 19, Acido 18, Llemit 12, Padrigao 10, Akowe 5, Buenaflor 3, Crisostomo 2, Estacio 0, Danting 0, Paranada 0, Laure 0, Calum 0.
     
Quarterscores: 18-22, 40-43, 58-61, 76-69.

Mapua outlasts Lyceum in NCAA Season 101 opener

c/o NCAA

Needed an additional ten minutes, but Mapua ensured their title defense kicked off on a positive note with a 90-89 victory over Lyceum in the curtain-raiser for the 101st season of the NCAA at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Appropriate for the golden anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila at the same venue, the Cardinals and Pirates battled it out to a 74-all deadlock in regulation, followed both teams scoring six points in the next five minutes.

Ultimately, a Cyrus Cuenco FT with 6.8 seconds remaining in overtime proved to be difference between the two sides, as Lyceum missed what would have a game-winner in their final possession.

Cuenco would finish with fourteen points, as he and JC Recto combined to step up with Clint Escamis limited due to foul trouble. Also tacking on sixteen points is Earl Sapasap.

Recto contributed sixteen points and added nine rebounds to lead the Cardinals. He shared to the media after the game, "I just let my instincts take over. Clint (Escamis) wasn’t there and just because he wasn’t there meant we should focus on him being out."

JC added, "All I thought about was doing whatever the coaches asked me to do." 

Escamis was limited to eight points and fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Renz Villegas led all scorers with his 23 points, but the Pirates drop to 0-1 to start off their campaign.

Both teams will resume action this weekend in San Juan, with Mapua facing Arellano on Saturday and Lyceum battling Perpetual on Sunday. 

The scores:

MAPÚA 90 – Recto 16, Sapasap 16, Cuenco 14, Concepcion 13, Gonzales 11, Escamis 8, Igliane 8, Ryan 2, Gulapa 2, Nitura 0, Lazarte 0, Delos Reyes 0, Reyes 0, Abdulla 0

LYCEUM 89 – Villegas 23, Versoza 14, Daileg 13, Barba 8, Pallingayan 7, Gordon 5, Aurige 5, Aviles 5, Matienzo 4, Moralejo 3, Montaño 2, Peñafiel 0

Senate commends Alas Pilipinas for historic performance in FIVB Men's World Championship

c/o PNVF

THE Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution filed by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano commending the Philippine men’s national volleyball team, Alas Pilipinas, for its milestone 19th-place finish in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.

Cayetano, who sponsored Proposed Senate Resolution No. 143, said the team’s breakthrough run “brought immense pride and honor” to the country and proved that Filipino athletes can excel when given the right opportunities.

“Sports brings Filipinos together. This team not only made us proud during the SEA Games, but they also made sure they will pleasantly surprise us,” he said during his sponsorship speech.

The senator emphasized that sports is a “God-given activity” that promotes health and well-being, fosters unity even in the midst of political divides, and elevates the Philippines’ global image through international success.

The Senate resolution emphasized that the achievement was made even more significant by the Philippines’ role as the tournament’s sole host.

All 24 Senators supported and adopted the resolution with Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo making their manifestations congratulating the national team.

Present at the Senate were Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and members of Alas Pilipinas led by head coach Angiolino Frigoni and deputy coach Ogie Mamon and team captain Bryan Bagunas.

The resolution also cited standouts led by captain Bryan Bagunas, who finished third among the tournament’s top scorers, and Marck Espejo, who ranked fourth among receivers, with Cayetano saying their feats prove the grit and talent of Filipino athletes on the world stage.

The senator likewise credited the coaching staff led by Angiolino Frigoni and the reforms implemented by the PNVF under Suzara, which opened doors to overseas tournaments and strengthened training programs for national players.

Cayetano, who also serves as Co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee and Chairman Emeritus of the PNVF, added that honoring Alas Pilipinas is not only about celebrating their success but also about sustaining momentum for long-term sports development.

“Honoring Filipino athletes serves a public purpose because their achievements inspire national pride, set standards for sports programs, and justify sustained investment in facilities, training, and athlete support nationwide,” he said.

This success, Cayetano said, set the stage for the Philippines to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2029, with greater readiness and confidence.

“Because of their performance and because of the successful hosting, two years from now, iyon namang Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held in the Philippines and this time around we have much more time to prepare,” he said.

NCAA ushers in Season 101

On the anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, the National Collegiate Athletic Association is set to commence its 101st season at the hallowed venue, with last season's Final Four teams tangling in a doubleheader.

Hosts and defending seniors' basketball champions Mapua faces Lyceum at 230pm, with San Beda and the College of Saint Benilde following suit at 5pm. Both matches are set to be broadcast live by its media partner, GMA.

The league is set to introduce a new format for the next few seasons for both basketball and volleyball, in a move they believe would inject some freshness to the competition.

The ten participating teams are split into two groups of five. Teams that made the postseason were equitably split into the two groups, with a draw involving the remaining six schools completing the field. Those within the same group will play its fellow group members twice, while facing the ones in the other group once, making it thirteen games in the eliminations.

Afterwards, the bottom two teams of each group will face off in a play-in to complete the crossover quarterfinal field, which will utilize the twice-to-beat advantage for the top two teams in each group.

Both the semifinals and the finals will be in a best-of-three matchup, with the return of the third place game to boot. 

Preceeding the games is an elaborate opening ceremony slated at noon, but will be broadcast at around 130pm. Highlighting the event are performances from the trio of Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, and Naya Ambi, as well as from Aicelle Santos.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio has been invited as a guest speaker, as the league fresh from its centennial celebrations jumpstarts its next century. 

In addressing the media present at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, NCAA ManCom member and Jose Rizal University athletic director Paul Supan shares, "Madaling tandaan. Season 101. And we’ll open on October 1. 10-1. So things like that. And with this year’s theme ‘Building Greatness,’ I’m sure for the past 100 years of NCAA, you’ve seen student-athletes rose to the elite level. So in the next 100 years in coordination with the PSC and member schools, we hope to sustain our contribution to the national training pool." 

The NCAA also reaffirmed its commitment and partnership with the PSC on bolstering the country's national pool with the upcoming launch of four demonstration events in boxing, golf, gymnastics, and weightlifting, which they initially announced in their press conference last week.

Fellow ManCom member and Emilio Aguinaldo College Vice President for Administration Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo notes, "The NCAA and PSC ay nagkaroon ng partnership in terms of training and developing these grassroots athletes."

All four events will take place during the second semester, as the league is in the midst of preparations on how they are to get these events going.

Boxing, Gymnastics, and Weightlifting have provided the medals for the Philippines in the Olympics, including the gold medal that College of Saint Benilde graduate Hidilyn Diaz secured in Tokyo.

In addition, the league is in the process of bringing back gamedays at their original home, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Most of the upcoming basketball matches are set to be played at the Filoil Centre in San Juan, with other fixtures taking place at the Mall of Asia Arena.

RMC is set to host its only basketball games on the first week of November, with Mapua versus CSB and Lyceum vs San Beda on the fourth, while the next day features Arellano vs JRU.

Supan says, "This is our home and most of us will acknowledge, dito talaga nagsimula ang NCAA." Lorenzo adds, "The direction really is to eventually ensure that all of the games in the eliminations and semis, basically, were going back to our home base."

The complex is already set to host the league's taekwondo, swimming, lawn and soft tennis, with plans to have the football competition return to Rizal Memorial Stadium after having to spend it earlier this year at the University of Makati.

Also set to return to a familiar venue is the league's athletics tournament, which is to be staged at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.