Ateneo upset temporarily hands 4th spot for Adamson

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Standings

NUNS 10-0
UST 8-2
FEU-D 7-3
ADU 5-5
UE 4-6
DLSZ 4-6
Ateneo 2-8
UPIS 0-10

Games Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

8 a.m. - DLSZ vs UST (girls)
10 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST (boys)
12 p.m. - NU vs UE (boys)
2 p.m. - FEU vs UPIS (boys)
4 p.m. - DLSZ vs AdU (boys)

DEFENDING champion Adamson University found timely assistance from Ateneo de Manila University to claim sole possession of fourth place in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament, Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Coming off a humbling 71-49 loss to rival NUNS last Sunday, the Baby Falcons quickly regained their footing with a dominant 84-67 victory over the University of the Philippines Integrated School Fighting Maroons.

Adamson also benefited from University of the East’s stunning 64-56 loss to Ateneo, which snapped the Blue Eagles’ two-game skid, as well as De La Salle Zobel’s 86-60 defeat to National University Nazareth School earlier in the day.

These results allowed the Baby Falcons to break the tie for fourth place, improving to an even 5-5 record.

“Ang mentalidad ngayon ng team is one game at a time. Home stretch na ito ‘eh… Malaking boost ito sa amin kasi yung last four namin, lahat ng teams na makakalaban namin ay nasa contention. It’s a good stepboard for us going to our next four games,” Adamson head coach Mike Fermin said, as his squad braces for crucial matchups against Final Four contenders La Salle Zobel, Far Eastern University-Diliman, University of Santo Tomas, and UE.

Adamson turned a slim 45-43 third-quarter lead into a commanding 63-52 cushion after an 18-9 surge, led by Gilas Youth trio Allen Perez, Earl Medina, and Mark Esperanza, along with timely contributions from Sahir Sajili.

The Baby Falcons continued their onslaught in the fourth quarter, as a Medina three-pointer, a Jireh Tumaneng layup, and a triple from Gabe de Jesus stretched their advantage to 75-58 with 6:36 remaining—effectively sealing their bounce-back win.

Perez recorded a season-high 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting, adding three rebounds. Medina, who overcame an early ankle injury, tallied 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists.

Esperanza contributed 11 points, six assists, four rebounds, and one steal, while Sajili notched a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.

Meanwhile, Ateneo compounded UE’s woes, handing the Junior Warriors their second straight heartbreaking loss following their buzzer-beating defeat to UST last Sunday.

“Yung mga bata, hindi bumigay sa fourth quarter which is tulad ng sinabi ko sa inyo before, ‘yon naging story ng season namin. Dito sa game na ito, hindi kami bumigay. May mga times na hindi kami makascore, pero they were mentally tough to pull through with the victory,” Blue Eagles head coach Ford Arao said.

After a crucial steal and layup from Louie Bual tied the game at 55-all with 4:30 left, Jay-m Leal stepped up with back-to-back inside baskets to give Ateneo a 59-55 edge with 1:36 remaining.

UE trimmed the gap to 59-56 after a split from Lance Sabroso at the free-throw line, but Ateneo found an unlikely hero in TJ Delos Santos, who converted a clutch and-one layup to push the Blue Eagles ahead 62-56 with 1:20 left.

The Junior Warriors had chances to close the gap, but Sabroso and Bual missed key attempts down the stretch, allowing Chris Urbina to ice the game and secure Ateneo’s second win of the season.

Leal finished with an impressive double-double of 15 points and 18 rebounds, along with one assist, one steal, and one block. Alfonso Tan added nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Despite struggling offensively (nine points on 3-of-15 shooting), Urbina contributed four assists and three rebounds, while Delos Santos provided nine points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

For UE, Martin Almanza led the way with 16 points—all in the first half—along with three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Edry Alejandro registered 11 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one block. Ethan Aguas added seven points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Bual and Drei Lorenzo chipped in six points each.

UPIS, yet to win in 10 games to fall out of contention, was led by Bruce Tubongbanua, who dropped 25 points, eight rebounds, and one steal.

Rocco Melicor and Jhustin Hallare chipped in 12 points each.

The Scores:

Fourth Game (Boys):

AdU (84) - Perez 16, Medina 12, Esperanza 11, Sajili 10, De Jesus 9, Tumaneng 9, Decatoria 8, Umali 6, Jenodia 3, Abayon 0, Caspe 0, Matilliano 0, Garcia 0, Penafiel 0.

UPIS (67) - Tubongbanua 25, Melicor 12, Hallare 12, Egea 8, Gomez de Liano 5, Coronel 3, Uvero 2, Poquiz 0, Rosete 0, Gepitan 0, Pascual 0.

Quarterscores: 11-16, 33-30, 63-52, 84-67.

Fifth Game (Boys):

Ateneo (64) - Leal 15, Tan 9, Urbina 9, Delos Santos 9, Kallos 6, Lagdamen 5, Aquino 3, Ymasa 3, Asistio 3, Lacsamana 2, Kaw 0.

UE (56) - Almanza 16, Alejandro 11, Aguas 7, Bual 6, Lorenzo 6, Sabroso 4, Bana 4, Diaz 2, Lagat 0, Timbol 0, Cuevas 0, Chua 0.

Quarterscores: 17-16, 33-35, 49-48, 64-56.

Bullpups secure HS basketball postseason berth

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

8 a.m. - DLSZ vs UST (girls)
10 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST (boys)
12 p.m. - NU vs UE (boys)
2 p.m. - FEU vs UPIS (boys)
4 p.m. - DLSZ vs AdU (boys)

NATIONAL University Nazareth School became the first team to clinch a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament after dismantling De La Salle Zobel, 86-60, on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Collins Akowe once again led the Bullpups with a dominant double-double of 20 points and 23 rebounds, adding three assists and two blocks to power NUNS to a flawless 10-0 record.

With the victory, the Bullpups secured their 13th straight Final Four appearance—a streak that began in Season 73 back in 2011 when they finished fourth with a 10-4 slate.

“Happy ako kasi nastick na namin yung first slot sa Final Four, pero marami pa kami kailangan i-improve. Sabi ko naman sa kanila coming into this game, ito yung stretch na crucial part nung season natin kasi ito na yung last few games coming into the playoffs and finals. We just have to make momentum and statement coming into the next games and sa Final Four,” said NUNS head coach Kevin de Castro.

Holding a slim 24-18 lead at the 8:06 mark of the second quarter, the trio of Thomas Pillado, Johnkurl Figueroa, and Akowe powered a 16-3 run to give NUNS a commanding 40-21 halftime advantage.

The Bullpups continued to dominate in the final frame, building a game-high 35-point lead, 77-42, before cruising to their 10th straight victory.

With Akowe spearheading the charge, NUNS overwhelmed La Salle Zobel inside, winning the battle in the paint (54-28) and on the boards (46-31).

Ivler Napa, son of Bulldogs head coach Jeff, finished with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, while Miguel Palanca contributed seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block. Jid Locsin added seven points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals, with Pillado chipping in seven points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block.

Meanwhile, the Junior Archers’ suffered their fifth loss in six games, dropping to 4-6. Their lone victory in that stretch came against the winless University of the Philippines Integrated School, 73-62, last Sunday.

Defending champion Adamson University and University of the East, both holding 4-5 records, are set to face UPIS and Ateneo de Manila University at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, as of publishing time.

Kieffer Alas led DLSZ with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Cameroonian center Christian Mben nearly recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Bonn Daja added 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the losing effort.

In another game, MVP frontrunner Cabs Cabonilas took charge for Far Eastern University-Diliman, leading the Baby Tamaraws to a crucial 67-60 victory over University of Santo Tomas, snapping the Tiger Cubs’ eight-game winning streak.

With the loss, UST dropped to 8-2 -- just a full game ahead of FEU-D.

Cabonilas posted a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds, along with three assists and three steals, as FEU-D avenged its 80-72 first-round loss last February 9.

The Baby Tamaraws capitalized on the absence of UST big man Koji Buenaflor, who was serving a one-game suspension after receiving his second unsportsmanlike foul of the season against UE last Sunday.

“Nasa process kami ng paghahanap ng identity namin. Masaya ako na nanalo kami, pero hindi pa tayo satisfied… Natututo na kami, may maturity na kami. Pagdating ng endgame, ‘yan yung crucial ‘eh. Kung sino yung gusto manalo at kung sino yung mas matured,” said FEU-D head coach Denok Miranda.

With the game tied at 49-all with 7:09 left, Marc Burgos, Khean Esperanza, and Yosef Raneses sparked a 9-3 run to give FEU-D a 58-52 edge with 4:33 remaining.

Charles Bucsit answered with two crucial three-pointers, but the Baby Tamaraws responded each time, with Cabonilas hitting a floater and Mico Pascual draining a triple to keep UST at bay, 63-58, with 3:23 left.

UST had a chance to close the gap with under a minute remaining, but a costly turnover by co-captain Kirk Canete sealed their fate.

Liam Salangsang iced the game with four free throws, securing FEU-D’s seventh win in 10 games.

Raneses provided ample support with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Salangsang struggled (12 points, 2-of-14 shooting) but contributed five rebounds and four assists.

Burgos also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, along with two assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Senegalese forward Racine Kane led the Tiger Cubs with 15 points and 16 rebounds, adding two assists and two blocks, while Carl Manding came close to a double-double with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Canete struggled offensively with just three points but dished out nine assists and grabbed four rebounds.

UST’s shooters Wacky Ludovice (nine points, 3-of-11) and Bucsit (nine points, 3-of-11) were kept in check by FEU-D’s defense.

The Scores:

Second Game (Boys):

NUNS (86) - Akowe 20, Napa 15, Locsin 7, Pillado 7, Palanca 7, Figueroa 6, Cartel 5, Alfanta 4, Nepacena 4, Solomon 4, Bouzina 3, Matias 2, Lucido 2, Natinga 0, Usop 0, Casala 0.

DLSZ (60) - Alas 18, Mben 11, Daja 10, Lopez 6, Gubat 5, Dabao 4, Areola 2, Jo. Alpapara 2, Borrero 2, Atienza 0, Ja. Alpapara 0, Tailan 0, Favis 0, Espinosa 0, Dimayuga 0, Reguera 0.

Quarterscores: 20-14, 40-21, 67-42, 86-60.

Third Game (Boys):

FEU-D (67) - Cabonilas 22, Raneses 13, Salangsang 12, Burgos 11, Esperanza 6, Pascual 3, Gemao 0, Godoy 0, De Guzman 0, Hall 0, Santos 0.

UST (60) - Kane 15, Manding 13, Ludovice 9, Bucsit 9, Acido 6, Solon 5, Canete 3, Esteban 0, Cinco 0.

Quarterscores: 18-16, 36-28, 48-44, 67-60.

Lady Bullpups bounce back with win over La Salle-Zobel

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 High School Girls Basketball Tournament Standings

UST 4-0

NUNS 3-1

DLSZ 1-3

Ateneo 0-4

Games Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

8 a.m. - DLSZ vs UST (girls)

10 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST (boys)

12 p.m. - NU vs UE (boys)

2 p.m. - FEU vs UPIS (boys)

4 p.m. - DLSZ vs AdU (boys)

NATIONAL University Nazareth School bounced back in dominant fashion, cruising to a commanding 117-61 victory over De La Salle Zobel in the UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

After suffering a 69-75 setback against the University of Santo Tomas Junior Growling Tigresses last February 6, the Lady Bullpups made the most of their 14-day break to regroup and strengthen their grip on second place with a 3-1 win-loss record.

Ten of the 11 players fielded by head coach Camilla Escoto contributed to the scoring column, with 17-year-old forward Ashlyn Abong leading the charge with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, along with nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Gilas Youth guard Aubrey Lapasaran delivered an all-around performance, tallying 15 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and six steals to help NUNS replicate its dominant 86-44 first-round win over the Junior Lady Archers last January 30.

“Sabi nga namin, very important yung talo [against UST] kasi it’s a blessing because it gives us a mindset na we should be on our toes palagi. Hindi kami pwede masyadong kampante and at the same time, marami pa kami kailangan trabahuin. There are a lot of things that we need to improve pa,” Escoto said postgame.

The Lady Bullpups set the tone early, racing to a 20-11 lead in the opening quarter before erupting for 33 points in the second frame to build a commanding 53-36 advantage at halftime.

They continued their onslaught in the second half, outscoring the Junior Lady Archers 37-11 in the third quarter to extend their cushion to 90-47 and effectively seal the win.

With overwhelming advantages in rebounding (65-38), assists (35-11), and steals (26-1), NUNS cruised to its third victory in four outings while maintaining an average winning margin of 64 points.

Halsry Mallari posted a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Rebekkah Pascua also added 15 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Marielle Avila and KJ Badajos chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Lady Bullpups will look to secure back-to-back wins when they face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles next Thursday, February 27, at the same time and venue.

On the other hand, Erica de Luna led DLSZ in the losing effort with 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and one steal. Princess Cordero added 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Sofia Martinez and Naima Navarro contributed 10 points each as the Junior Lady Archers dropped to a 1-3 record.

DLSZ will face another tough challenge against an undefeated UST team this Sunday, February 25, at the same time and venue.

The Scores:

First Game (Girls)

NUNS (117) - Abong 17, Lapasaran 15, Mallari 15, Pascua 15, Avila 13, Badajos 12, Sales 9, Rosano 8, Trinidad 7, Katigbak 6, Aycardo 0.

DLSZ (61) - De Luna 15, Cordero 12, Martinez 10, Navarro 10, Reyes 7, Dominguez 3, Poral 3, Notarte 1, Vibanco 0.

Quarterscores: 20-11, 53-36, 90-47, 117-61.

UP women surpasses last season's win total

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Standings

NU 2-0

UP 2-0

AdU 1-0

FEU 1-1

UE 0-1

UST 0-1

DLSU 0-1

Ateneo 0-2

Games Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

9 a.m. – UST vs UE (Men)

11 a.m. – UST vs UE (Women)

3 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)

5 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)


UNIVERSITY of the Philippines dug deep in the fourth, overcoming a 7-14 hole to complete the stunner over Far Eastern University, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, and eclipse last year's one-win effort in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.

Led by Jaz Ellarina’s infectious energy, the Lady Tamaraws zoomed to a 14-7 lead in the fourth frame, looking prime to force a decider until the Fighting Maroons decided that they don’t want to play one more set.

Kianne Olango, Joan Monares, and Kassandra Doering put life to UP to turn the tables and eventually gain a 22-20 advantage.

Although errors by the Fighting Maroons allowed the Lady Tamaraws to remain within a point late, 23-24, Niña Ytang finished the game after two hours and 24 minutes with a push shot that pierced through the arms of the defenders.

“So far maganda. May sinubukan lang kami at nagwork naman. Tingnan natin baka mas mag-adapt pa sila doon sa sistema ng defense then we’ll take it from there kung paano magpo-progress. Paisa-isa,” said head coach Benson Bocboc after UP surpassed its win total from last season where it went 1-13.

The Fighting Maroons stayed undefeated with a 2-0 record, joining the National University Lady Bulldogs for the early lead in the eight-team field.

This is UP’s first win against FEU since June 2, 2022 back in the second round of Season 84, a 25-10, 25-19, 25-7 victory.

Monares’ uprising for the Fighting Maroons continued, earning 19 points on 17-of-42 spikes and two aces to go with eight digs, while rookie Olango impressed anew with 17 points.

Ytang also made her presence felt with 15 points on nine spikes, four blocks, and two aces while Irah Jaboneta also persevered with 11 points, 12 receptions, and seven digs.

UP looks to go 3-0 on Sunday when it battles the winless Ateneo de Manila University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Clarisse Loresco was the highest scorer with 11 points as the Lady Tamaraws dropped to 1-1.

Chenie Tagaod added 10 points and seven digs as head coach Tina Salak struggled to find the right combination for this game.

FEU seeks to rebound on Sunday as well against the defending champion NU.

NU, FEU seeking back-to-back wins

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Volleyball Standings

Men's
NU 1-0
UP 1-0
Ateneo 1-0
FEU 1-0
UE 0-1
UST 0-1
AdU 0-1
DLSU 0-1

Women's
NU 1-0
FEU 1-0
UP 1-0
AdU 1-0
UE 0-1
UST 0-1
Ateneo 0-1
DLSU 0-1

Games Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

9 a.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Men)
11 a.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Women)
3 p.m. – UP vs FEU (Men)
5 p.m. – UP vs FEU (Women)

DEFENDING champion National University seeks to follow up its impressive season-opening win over De La Salle as it tangles Ateneo Wednesday in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Ranged against a Blue Eagles side decimated by injuries, new coach Sherwin Meneses wanted his Lady Bulldogs to sustain their high level of play just like in last Sunday's 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 sweep of the Lady Spikers at 11 a.m.

"Siyempre, champion team na yung NU talagang sinasabihan lang namin talaga na one point at a time lang kasi yung champion, sinabi ko nga, past na yun so talagang dapat trabahuhin yung pag-defend ng crown," said Meneses, a seven-time champion coach from PVL club Creamline.

"Hindi basta-basta. So everytime na makaka-one point kami, dumadali yung pagdefend ng crown. So ganun lang muna ka-simple yung target namin. Any opponent, nasa lower, nasa higher rank, one point at a time lang kami," he added.

Ateneo opened its season with a heartbreaking 25-21, 25-20, 12-25, 15-25, 12-15 defeat to Adamson University, where the Katipunan-based side lost Zel Tsunashima to a leg injury late in the fifth set.

The Blue Eagles were also without injured hitters Sobe Buena and JLo Delos Santos, who could have helped the team's top options Lyann de Guzman and AC Miner.

The Lady Bulldogs remained potent as ever with the core of reigning MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, setter Lams Lamina, and libero Shaira Jardio.

In the men's division, five-peat-seeking NU plays fellow opening-day winner Ateneo at 9 a.m.

Newly installed Blue Eagles coach Vince Mangulabnan, a former champion setter from the Bulldogs, is looking forward to facing his former team.

"Excited ako makalaban yung alma mater ko plus sobrang excited ako makita yung lalaruin ng players ko against NU na alam ko naman na sobrang lakas. Sila yung inaabot ng teams ngayong UAAP ‘eh. Excited ako makita kung hanggang saan kami sa kanila, or hindi natin alam, bilog pa rin ang bola. Ako, 100 percent pa rin yung trust ko sa team ko na makuha namin game by game," said Mangulabnan.

The Blue Eagles, who opened the season with a 25-17, 25-19, 22-25, 25-23 conquest of the Falcons, are facing a tough battle with the Bulldogs, who swept the Green Spikers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19.

Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines also vie for the early lead in the other men's match at 3 p.m.

The Lady Tamaraws and the Fighting Maroons also shoot for a 2-0 record in the women's side at 5 p.m. to wrap a quadruple-header.

FEU men's coach Eddieson Orcullo is not taking UP, which unveiled Nigeria's Oleyemi Raheem in last Saturday's 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 25-18 victory over University of the East, for granted.

"Kung mamaintain namin yung numbers mula sa preseason tournaments namin papunta dito sa UAAP, mas magiging maganda yung takbo namin dito and at the same time, yung motivation ng bata ay magiging maganda at mas maayos yung bawat isa," said Orcullo after his troops defeated long-time rival University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20.

The Lady Tamaraws also opened the season on a high note, tripping last year's runner-up Tigresses, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20.

The Fighting Maroons scrambled past the Lady Warriors, 25-18, 26-24, 24-26, 13-25, 15-13, on opening day.

UP coach Benson Bocboc hopes for a better effort against FEU, one of the top favorites for the crown.

"Kala niyo maririnig niyo siguro palagi ang first game ng season, napakaimportante. Yun lang naman maririnig niyo lagi dun. So buti napanalo ito, sana magtuloy-tuloy. Malaking bagay para sa amin to. Sabihin natin, bagong coach, kalahati bagong player, bagong experience, tingin ko lalaban to hanggang dulo. Makukuha natin yan," said Bocboc.

Sabrina Ionescu set for Asia visit

WNBA Champion Sabrina Ionescu of New York Liberty, an Olympic gold medalist who still holds the record for most career triple doubles across the US NCAA, is coming to Manila.
 
She is a gamechanger, reinventing what’s possible for female athletes in life and sport. She’s a pioneer, creating space for girls to follow in her footsteps. And she’s a role model, inspiring the next generation to dream big, then do everything it takes to turn those dreams into reality.
 
Ahead of Sabrina’s campaign to defend her first WNBA title, she’s embarking on her first Asia tour, visiting China and the Philippines to share this message of empowerment with young hoopers and further introduce herself to the global basketball community.
 
“I’m excited to connect with basketball fans across Manila, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, especially young hoopers. You can feel their passion for the game, even from New York,” says Sabrina. “Together we will celebrate the game, and I hope we inspire each other to achieve our dreams with dedication, commitment and hard work.”
 
Sabrina will spend the first part of her tour in Manila, an international hoops hub with a longstanding connection to Nike Basketball. She starts off with a visit to Nike Fort in Bonifacio Global City on March 10 for a panel talk with fellow Nike athletes and coaches at 3 pm. The panel will talk about breaking barriers and defying stereotypes so hoopers can realize their dreams and inspire the next generation. During her stay, Sabrina will also lead a basketball clinic at The Courtyard, launch a Nike Sabrina 2 collaboration, and participate in an electrifying showcase with some of the Philippines’ best professional and collegiate players at the famed Araneta Coliseum.
 
At the historic Big Dome, Sabrina will get to experience up close how Pinoy hoopers play the game. She will take part in an exhibition game and do a 3-point shootout challenge on March 11 at 4 PM. Filipino basketball fans are invited to register at  https://www.nike.com/ph/basketball to witness and be part of the 2025 Sabrina Manila Tour: Craft the Future Showcase. Like Sabrina, female hoopers can break out of the mold, break barriers, achieve their dreams and inspire the next generation. Tickets to Craft the Future are FREE and will be available, first-come-first-served.
 
Sabrina will then continue to Guangzhou, China, where she will meet local athletes and visit some of their most hallowed courts — hosting a grassroots basketball camp for girls and sharing her messages of empowerment with female hoopers.
 
She will conclude her tour in Hong Kong, China, by getting a crash course in local hoops culture, experiencing street basketball in a local neighborhood and visiting two schools to help students learn to break through barriers in life and sport.

Check about.nike.com/stories next month for behind-the-scenes coverage of Nike signature athlete Sabrina Ionescu’s tour of Asia. Watch out for more details at nike.com and the Nike app for updates about the tour.

Lady Bulldogs impress in season opener

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Team Standings

NU 1-0

FEU 1-0

UP 1-0

AdU 1-0

UE 0-1

UST 0-1

Ateneo 0-1

DLSU 0-1


Games on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

9 a.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Men)

11 a.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Women)

3 p.m. – UP vs FEU (Men)

5 p.m. – UP vs FEU (Women)

NATIONAL University handed head coach Sherwin Meneses a triumphant return to UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament taking down De La Salle University in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, before 16,624 fans to open their title defense, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The back-to-back title seeking Lady Bulldogs showed no signs of rust in their return to the Taraflex, displaying their trademark composure against every comeback attempt by the Lady Spikers.

The straight set romp marked Meneses’ first UAAP victory in eight years, cementing a triumphant return to collegiate volleyball.

“Syempre, happy ako na nanalo kami. Five sets or three sets, parehas lang naman,” said a smiling Meneses. “Pero syempre, ‘yung three sets, medyo mahirap gawin sa La Salle, kaya happy kami na nakuha namin siya in straight sets.”

It was De La Salle's first opening weekend loss since Dec. 2, 2012, dropping a 22-25, 13-25, 25-12, 25-21, 9-15 decision to University of Santo Tomas back in the league's 75th season.

After two tightly contested sets, the Lady Bulldogs leaned on their impenetrable net defense and powerful attacks en route to a huge 20-9 advantage in the third frame.

Angel Canino stopped the bleeding with an emphatic block on Erin Pangilinan. La Salle then caught a huge break as NU seemed to have lost focus and committed three crucial errors, sparking a 4-0 run that trimmed the deficit to just seven points, 13-20.

However, the Lady Bulldogs did just enough to hold off the Lady Archers, who managed to trim the deficit to six after Canino fired a blistering cross-court hit, making it 18-24. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Amie Provido committed a costly service error, sealing the victory for NU.

Bella Belen spearheaded NU with 14 points on 10 attacks, three aces, and one kill block to go along with six excellent receptions, while Alyssa Solomon added 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, in the one-hour and 30-minute encounter.

Alexa Mata, who started the game over Sheena Toring and Minierva Maaya, had a solid game in the middle with 10 points, including two blocks, while Vange Alinsug and Pangilinan had eight and seven points, respectively.

Lams Lamina took charge of the offense with 20 excellent sets on top of eight excellent digs, while Shaira Jardio patrolled the floor with 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.

The Lady Bulldogs controlled most of the opening set, but Canino and Laput led a late La Salle surge, orchestrating a 5-0 run to level the score at 23-all.

Just as momentum seemed to shift, Sheena Toring delivered a clutch quick attack to bring NU to set point. Laput, who had been a steady force for the Lady Archers, miscalculated an attack, allowing the Lady Bulldogs to escape with the first set.

The second set followed a similar script, with both teams locked in a tight battle. NU held a slim 20-19 lead before Solomon took charge, capitalizing on a pair of errors from Alleiah Malaluan to ignite a 4-0 run that widened the gap to 24-20.

Alinsug then sealed the set with a precise down-the-line attack following a rare Solomon error, putting the Lady Bulldogs one step away from victory.

Shevannah Laput was the lone bright spot for La Salle, finishing with 18 points—all coming from attacks. Meanwhile, Angel Canino struggled to find her rhythm, managing just a total of seven successful attacks despite 38 attempts, as the Lady Spikers grappled with NU’s stifling defense in a hard-fought defeat.

NU next will take on an Ateneo de Manila University side reeling from a four-set loss to Adamson University on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

La Salle looks to bounce back when they face off against the Shaina Nitura-led Lady Falcons on Saturday, 5:00 p.m. also at Filoil.