Kieffer Alas selected as the first four-time NBTC All-Star

Kieffer Alas

Ateneo-commit Kieffer Alas will be playing his last game in the Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM on Saturday.

Since 2023, the former Gilas Pilipinas Youth mainstay and UAAP boys' basketball MVP has been a fixture in the annual showcase of the top young talent in the Philippines, but he now takes the next step in his promising career, committing to the Blue Eagles starting Season 89.

Alas moves up to the next level as the first and only four-time NBTC All-Star - one-upping Kai Sotto who was hailed as one of the best under-19 players thrice when he was still a Blue Eaglet.

"Thank you very much to NBTC. It will forever be an honor to have had the chance to play here for the last three years," said the 6-foot-2 guard, who was also the youngest player to be named NBTC All-Star as a 16 year old.

Unlike years past, Alas had to wait a little longer to seal his spot, as he was not part of the 2026 NBTC 24 due to his stint in the U.S. playing for Utah Prep.

The now-18-year-old, though, dropped 30 points in his second game in this year's National Finals for Phenom NZ Blue Fire in their 87-78 triumph over Urbana Studios x San Beda.

That effectively saved his seat on Team Heart captained by NBTC 24 No. 1 player Cabs Cabonilas (FEU-Diliman), alongside another Baby Tamaraw in Marc Burgos, Jay-M Leal (Ateneo), Kirk Cañete (UST), Bruce Tubongbanua (UPIS), Mark Esperanza (San Sebastian), Justin Cargo (Letran), Ray Ladica (Arellano), Lian Basa (SHS-Ateneo), Jhon Lord Cruz (North Luzon), Duke Solon (Mindanao), and Zedrick Castillo (South Luzon).

Their other additions are Arellano's Aaron Manansala, Fil-Nation Select LA's Joaquin Tovera, and Fil-Nation Select USA's Blaze Johnson.

Alas will play against former De La Salle Zobel teammate and second-ranked NBTC 24 player Maco Dabao, NCAA juniors MVP Sean Franco (Arellano), Mot Matias and Shaun Lucido (NUNS), Jarl Artango (Adamson), Noah Banal (Ateneo), Nathan Egea (Letran), Andrei Ugaddan (San Beda), Josef Calo-oy (LSGH), Kelly Coronel (EAC), Henry Suico (SHS-Ateneo), and J Lord Pepito (Visayas).

Team Hustle will be reinforced by UST's Joaqui Ludovice, Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto's Rene Baterbonia, Fil-Nation Select USA's Quali Giran, and D'Generals x Dynamix Creative's Ruzzel Del Poso.

Side events before the All-Star Game tipping off at 5 p.m. will also feature the Skills Challenge with Ludovice, Suico, Christian Bustillo, Ahmed Aduan, Mark Clarence Piana, Jhillian Palis, Riley Santa Juana, and Ezekiel Emnace; the Shooting Stars with Team Manila (Lorenz Aben Cinco, Adiam Larosa, Benedict Gaytos, Gian Gamala), Team Global (Lawrence Orvile Mandalano, Keith Solis, John Lee Torres, Khyle Justin Capanzana), Team North Luzon (Jairus Armendez, Rion Cyryll Burgos, Mark Den Cruz, Mark Khelvin Macalinao), Team South Luzon (Jayber Stephen Castillo, Tristan James Catucod, Godwin Virrey, Mike Laurence Barrot); Team Visayas (Luke Brent Dy, Krstc Da Silva, Jim Corpuz, Aldwin Calumpang Yso); and Team Mindanao (Joseph Dumdum, Van Ian Monteza, Rhysus Rafael Bajenting, John Rhey Mark Calumba); And the Three-Point Shootout with Del Poso, Miekho Natinga, Froilan Reyes, Justine Dave Batibot, John Rex Villanueva, Jobert John Pastias, Matt Jerrick Cayetano, Ethan Reytomas, and Trey Pinkard.

Bullpups force decider in UAAP HS Boys Basketball Finals

c/o UAAP

Game on Monday at the Blue Eagle Gym
3 p.m. - FEU-D vs NUNS

Shaun Lucido refused to let National University Nazareth School go down without a fight.

The 6-foot, Grade 11 guard dropped 25 points, leading the Bullpups to an 80-59 win over the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws and forcing a winner-take-all match in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Lucido, the inaugural MVP of the Junior High School tournament back in UAAP Season 86 (2024), got off to a scorching start, scoring eight points in the first 10 minutes.

By halftime, he had already poured in 17 points on five triples, helping the Bullpups take a lead that reached as high as 45-29.

“Sobrang gutom na gutom kami kasi matagal na po talaga naming pinagtratrabahuan ito,” said Lucido, an 18-year-old native of Legazpi City, Albay. “Tatlong sunod na finals appearances na kami, natalo kami sa unang dalawa.

“Talagang motivation namin is bigyan si coach (Kevin de Castro) ng championship at para rin kay Sir Fulton (Sy, former team manager).”

The decider is set on Holy Monday at the same Katipunan venue.

In the second half, the rest of the Bullpups followed Lucido’s lead, firing on all cylinders to keep FEU-D at bay.

Malian big man Moussa Diakite, the division’s Rookie of the Year, delivered a thunderous jam to give NUNS a 77-57 lead with 2:09 remaining. In a tribute to NU great Danny Ildefonso, Diakite celebrated with a “raise the roof” gesture, thrilling half of the 2,105 fans in attendance.

Diakite finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. Kurl Figueroa added 10 points and seven rebounds, Corian Cabantog contributed nine points and eight boards, while Mot Matias orchestrated the offense with 10 assists and five points.

“Actually, coming into this game, sabi ko sa mga players ko, naubusan ako ng motivation sa inyo, si Lord na bahala mag-motivate sa inyo,” said De Castro, who suffered Game 3 heartbreaks against Adamson in Season 86 and UST last year. “So, very thankful ako, and credit sa coaching staff na meron ako. Talagang grabe yung inputs nila at the same time yung mga players.”

Cabs Cabonilas, the reigning MVP of the division who posted 19 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks in FEU-D’s 77-73 Game 1 win last Sunday, added 18 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in Game 2.

Kean Esperanza, who overcame a first-half injury, was the other Baby Tamaraw in double figures with 13 points.

Assan Gaye and Sam Hall, who scored 12 points each in Game 1, were limited to just three and one point, respectively.

The Scores:

NUNS 80 - Lucido 25, Diakite 10, Figueroa 10, Cabantog 9, Cartel 8, Natinga 6, Matias M. 5, Juan 4, Matias R. 3, Bouzina 0, Celiz 0, Timbang 0, Tulabut 0.

FEU-D 59 - Cabonilas 18, Esperanza 13, Burgos 8, Cagurungan 4, Cariño 4, Sohm 4, Gaye 3, Enriquez 2, Hall 1, Santos J. 1, Santos 1, Rañeses 0, Alagaban 0, Dagcutan 0, Dulin 0.

Quarterscores: 18-14, 45-31, 63-51, 80-59.

UP batters Ateneo, sets up weekend duel vs UST

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Softball Standings
*AdU 6–1
UST 5–2
UP 5–2
x - DLSU 2–5
x - Ateneo 0-8

* - Finals
x - Eliminated

Games on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
9 a.m. - UST vs UP
11 a.m. - DLSU vs AdU

University of the Philippines set up a clash for the last UAAP Season 88 Softball Finals berth against University of Santo Tomas after dismantling Ateneo de Manila University, 16-1, in just four innings on the penultimate day of eliminations, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Fighting Maroons will take on the Tiger Softbelles on Saturday at 9 a.m. in their last elimination round assignment, with the winner advancing to face reigning 12-time champions Adamson University Lady Falcons in the championship series.

Adamson had earlier secured its 11th consecutive Finals appearance by defeating UST, 3-0. The Lady Falcons captured the first two titles of their long reign via 10-0 sweeps in the elimination rounds.

UP, aiming for a fourth straight Finals appearance, unleashed a barrage of big hits in the second inning and never looked back. Fourth-year standout Danica Aquino highlighted the team’s dominance with an inside-the-park home run.

Jaja Pascual could have recorded the Maroons’ first official home run of the season in the same inning, but it was nullified after she passed preceding runner Sathia Romero-Salas on the way to second base. The two RBIs still counted, as Drel Gonzales and Romero-Salas crossed home plate to extend the lead to four.

After an hour-long discussion regarding Pascual’s play, Aquino responded with a line drive down the right-field line for a solo home run — the senior left fielder’s only hit of the game.

“Nasa padulo na tayo ng tournament, so ang pinaghahandaan rin talaga namin ay ‘yung last game against UST. Ito kasi ang ginamit din namin as preparation para do’n sa last game. So, hopefully, lahat mag-deliver do’n sa last game,” said head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan.

“Big lesson sa ‘min talaga ‘yung mga mistakes namin nung nakaraang laro namin against Adamson. Ready naman sila; it’s part of the game, eh, may nagkakamali. Hopefully, maka-recover lang. Ika nga, you learn from your mistakes, and it’s part of the game,” added the fifth-year mentor.

Generose Torremocha and Laica Atlas each contributed for two innings, combining for one hit and two RBIs apiece as the sixth batter of the Maroons’ lineup. Pascual still finished with three RBIs from a single and a sacrifice hit.

Diane Pasco earned the win despite allowing a lone earned run in the second inning for Ateneo on four hits. Joy Laurente closed the game, holding the Blue Eagles scoreless on a single hit in the final two innings.

Pagkaliwagan emphasized that the key to winning the crucial playoff against UST lies in execution.

“Gusto ko lang makita ‘yung talagang laro ng taga-UP na lahat ibinibigay. And sa tingin ko naman lahat ‘to magde-deliver this coming Saturday, kasi talaga namang nag-prepare kami for this game,” he said.

The Blue Eagles made one last push in the second inning, breaking through Pasco’s defense with two hits and a run. Jeanne Yap hit a slow grounder to the middle for a triple and later scored on a single from Marvelous Romano.

Katipunan-based Ateneo added three more hits, including one from graduating senior Rizellejoy Bulatao, but UP’s defense ultimately held firm for the win. Bulatao and Ashlee Tuprio rounded the bases one final time for the Blue Eagles.

Ateneo, which has yet to register a win since Season 85, closed the season with an 0-8 record — marking its 16th straight defeat.

TEAMS   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H    E
UP           3    5    1    1    6    x    x    16    11    3
Ateneo    0    1    0    0    0    x    x    1    5    4

Alas stalwarts anchor NU triumph over FEU

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Standings
FEU 8-1
NU 7-2
UST 5-3
Ateneo 4-4
DLSU 4-4
UP 3-6
AdU 2-6
UE 1-8

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. - UST vs DLSU (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs Ateneo (Men)
1 p.m. - UST vs DLSU (Women)
3 p.m. - AdU vs Ateneo (Women)

Alas Pilipinas members Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin took matters into their own hands to ensure a traditional Final Four format in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament.

Six-peat-seeking National University delivered a statement 28-26, 17-25, 24-26, 25-11, 15-8 victory, handing Far Eastern University its first loss of the season on Sunday in front of a roaring crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs improved to 7-2, closing the gap on the Tamaraws, who dropped to 8-1 but remained in first place—now just one game ahead of NU.

Buddin and Ordiales powered NU’s comeback, dominating the final two sets to overturn FEU’s 2-1 set lead.

“Good game talaga. Both sides naman sobrang ganda ng pinakita,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Pagdating sa dulo, natiyaga and ‘yung pasensya ni Buddin lumabas, naging maganda ‘yung resulta ng game.”

Buddin scored 14 of his 25 points in the last two sets, while Ordiales delivered 13 of his career-high 30 points in that same stretch.

With the fifth set tied at 7-all, Buddin and Ordiales took control.

Buddin ignited NU’s finishing run with a checked ball, before setter Greg Ancheta raised the energy with a solid block on Amet Bituin. Buddin followed it up with three straight points, then Ordiales took over, firing three of his own to cap off a dominant 8-1 closing run for NU, sealing the win in two hours and three minutes.

“’Yung decision-making namin, sobrang dami naming iniisip, parang nawawala kami sa sistema. Nung fourth and fifth set, ibinalik lang namin, sinunod lang namin ulit ‘yung sistema, and maganda naman ‘yung result,” said Ordiales.

Ordiales finished with 24-of-48 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces, along with six digs.

Buddin added 19-of-33 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, along with eight excellent receptions, while Jade Disquitado also shone with 12 points, 33-of-59 excellent receptions, and seven digs.

Jimwell Gapultos contributed 12 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs, while Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets and added three blocks.

NU looks to sustain its momentum on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion against Ateneo de Manila University.

Mikko Espartero led FEU with 22 points on 18 attacks and four blocks, along with 21 excellent receptions.

Dryx Saavedra added 18 points but cooled off after scoring nine in the opening set, while Lirick Mendoza was limited to 10 points, all coming in the first three frames.

FEU aims to bounce back next Sunday against University of Santo Tomas on its home court.

PAREF-Southridge formalizes postseason cast in UAAP HS Football

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School Boys' Football Tournament Standings

**FEU-D 31(+30)
**UST 28 (+13)
*DLSZ 20(+5)
*Southridge 17 (+2)
xAteneo 16 (-5)
xAdU 6 (-15)
xClaret 3 (-30)

**-Twice-To-Beat
*-Final Four

The stars aligned for PAREF Southridge, as they secured a return to the UAAP High School Boys’ Football Final Four for the second straight season.

Starting the last elimination round matchday with a 3-1 victory over De La Salle Zobel, Southridge’s hopes and prayers were answered in the next match as University of Santo Tomas edged Ateneo de Manila University 2-1 to book the Admirals their place in next week’s semifinals, Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Southridge fulfilled its role in the equation by dispatching La Salle in the opening match of the triple-header. The result marked a departure from their first-round encounter, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate on February 17.

Admirals winger Francis Poticano led the charge, breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute before sealing the win in the 77th. Forward Kale Javier added the team’s second goal in first-half stoppage time (45+4) with a strike from outside the box.

La Salle striker Jayden Gayoso pulled one back for the Junior Green Booters in the 56th minute, heading in an assist from teammate Duke Punzalan, but it proved insufficient to spark a comeback.

“First of all, I would like to thank God for this victory,” said Southridge’s Ghanaian coach Sam Bonney. “The mission was clear. We came here to win because we know we are in a bad spot—if I may put it that way—because we want to be in the Final Four. So at the end of the day, a win will grant us that one, but of course we have to wait for this UST against Ateneo game also to know that we are secure in the Final Four.”

As the Admirals remained in the stands, the Junior Golden Booters delivered at the Blue Eagles’ expense, even with the defending champions having nothing at stake.

Midfielder Al Orteza set the tone for UST, finishing clinically in the 27th minute to open the scoring. Ateneo’s woes deepened in the second half as Joshua Balliner doubled UST’s lead in the 57th minute.

The Blue Eagles attempted to force a playoff for the final semifinal berth by pushing for an equalizer. Tiago Remulla gave Ateneo hope in the 60th minute, heading in a corner kick from Manu Simpao. Simpao and Andres Dumlao later had free-kick opportunities amid Ateneo’s late surge, but both efforts missed the target.

For Junior Golden Booters assistant coach David Basa, securing the win — UST’s second over Ateneo this season after a 3-0 victory on January 31 — was crucial in building momentum heading into next Saturday’s semifinal clash against the Junior Green Booters.

“Yun kasi yung pagpunta namin sa game—hindi namin tine-take for granted,” said Basa. “Gusto namin makuha yung momentum papunta sa semifinals kaya ayaw namin magpatalo. Kahit ni-reserve namin ang mga may yellow card at 'di namin sila sinugal, sinabi namin sa boys na play to win pa rin. Kailangan yung attitude at character nandun at 'di mawawala.”

Far Eastern University-Diliman, which capped off the eliminations with a 5-1 win over Adamson University, enters the postseason as the top seed with 31 points.

FEU-D will face fourth-seeded Southridge (17 points), while second-seeded UST (28 points) and third-seeded La Salle (20 points) square off in the other semifinal.

As the higher seeds, the Baby Tamaraws and the Junior Golden Booters hold a twice-to-beat advantage over the Admirals and the Junior Green Booters, respectively, when they clash next Saturday at the same venue.

Meanwhile, braces from Thomas Baylon and Jerriemy Biton powered FEU-D's rout of Adamson.

The match was tied at 1-1 at halftime after Tristan Alkuino’s own goal in the 23rd minute handed the Baby Tamaraws an early lead, before Baby Falcons striker Josh Año equalized in the 45th minute.

Baylon (51’, 56’) and Biton (53’, 59’) then combined for four goals in an eight-minute blitz to secure a convincing win for FEU-D. The result also completed a season sweep for the Baby Tamaraws, who previously defeated the Baby Falcons, 5-0, in the first round on January 17.

“Masaya siyempre. Pinaghirapan yung goals na yan,” said FEU-D coach Jake Morallo. “In the first half, medyo again, out of connection, out of focus — maybe nawawala sila sa roles nila bawat isa, so this is why I think 'yun lang ang nakuha sa first half. But in the second half, I think it was a good adjustment.”

“I think maganda yung adjustment ng bawat isa. As we saw, maraming rookies ngayon na nabigyan ng chance, and I think they deserved it this time. Masaya ako na may mga players na nag-step up.”

Rounding out the standings are Ateneo (16 points) in fifth place, followed by Adamson (6 points) and Claret (3 points).

UP ends decade-long finals drought in men's tennis, NU forces Sunday decider vs UST

c/o UAAP

Tie on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - NU vs UST (Men's Final Four)

University of the Philippines booked its long-awaited return to the Finals, while National University kept its title defense alive by forcing a rubber match in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Final Four on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

The Fighting Maroons defeated the UE Red Warriors, 3-2, to advance to their first Finals appearance since UAAP Season 78, while defending champions Bulldogs swept the UST Male Tennisters, 3-0, setting up a do-or-die clash on Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

UP relied on the heroics of Raymund Goco and Andrei Jarata to secure the first Finals berth in this tournament, supported by Wilson Philippines.

Locked in a tense early exchange, Goco and Jarata seized control when it mattered most, defeating Kian Sanchez and Mark Dave Palanas, 6-3, 6-2, in second doubles to clinch the victory for UP. The pair surged ahead with a 5-1 run and held their nerve in the next game to seal the match.

“Sobrang thankful kami sa naging result against UE nitong semis game namin. Sobrang happy kami nakuha namin after a decade, nabalik namin ‘yung finals appearance sa UP,” said Goco.

“Siyempre, sa doubles, more intense ‘yung game namin, tapos tiwala rin ako sa partner ko na si Andrei Jarata, na nagbigay sa akin ng lakas. Grabe ‘yung tiwala ko sa kanya on and off the court lalo na sa baseline. ‘Yung bola niya sobrang solid kaya thankful din ako sa partner ko," he added.

The Fighting Maroons wasted little time asserting their dominance, as Loucas Fernandez delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-0 sweep of Gerald Gemida in first singles. Miguel Iglupas followed with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Marc Suson in third singles.

The Red Warriors found their footing in doubles, with Kent Morales and Allyson Cabanilla defeating Heinz Carbonilla and Stephen Catipon, 6-2, 6-2, in the first doubles match. JB Aguilar then fended off Lance Fernandez in second singles, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, forcing a decider.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs asserted dominance to keep their championship hopes alive.

With their season on the line, NU’s Angil Balaoing and Isaac Lim rose to the occasion, overpowering Al Zayeed Baid and Evan Bacalso, 6-2, 6-2, in first doubles, setting up a do-or-die showdown.

“Para sa amin, malaking adjustment po talaga kasi from last year, twice-to-beat kami, then ngayon hindi na. So more on pressure kami and siguro more on tiwala lang po kami talaga sa isa’t isa ngayon and siyempre kay God din po,” said Balaoing.

“Meron po kaming mga pinag-usapan. Nag-meeting po kaming teammates para po walang ma-down sa amin. Dapat stay up lang kahit anong mangyari. Kahit natalo kami sa playoffs, stay positive pa rin sa ano man ang mangyari, tsaka teamwork,” said Lim.

Andrei Padao made an early statement, overpowering Christopher Sonsona, 6-1, 6-2, in second singles to give NU a quick foothold in the tie.

Alexis Acabo followed, battling through a tight first set before taking control in the second to defeat Ericjay Tangub, 7-5, 6-2, and push the Bulldogs ahead.

On the other court, Sebastian Santos and Jules Lazaro traded sets, 7-5, 5-7, before the first singles match was abandoned.

PFA set to host Junior and Cadet portion of the Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships

James Limuel Lim c/o UAAP

The Philippine fencing community is gearing up for the return of one of its most anticipated youth competitions, with Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships launches its Junior & Cadet Edition on March 21 and 22, 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

This annual tournament, which is part of the Philippine Fencing Association's ranking competitions for the year, honors the legacy of Dr. Celso L. Dayrit, a former Philippine Olympic Committee President and a major figure in the development of fencing in the Philippines and across Asia. His lifelong advocacy for grassroots and elite athlete development continues to inspire generations of Filipino fencers.

The opening leg of this year’s memorial series will bring together top Junior and Cadet fencers from fencing clubs, schools, and regional programs nationwide. Competitors will battle for ranking points and the opportunity to secure positions for upcoming national and international events.

With the tournament coming days after the holding of the successful UAAP Fencing Competition at the Makati Coliseum, it serves as a good opportunity for those who participated there to build on their experience.

Among those set to participate are both Juniors Rookies of the Year in Tin Morales and Matteo Canlas, as well as both Juniors MVPs in Sophia Catantan and James Limuel Lim, all of which will be part of the bumper contingent of the University of the East, which also includes Khiane Felipe, Brynt Gale, and Nina and Nicol Canlas.

Historic UAAP gold medalist for PAREF-Southridge Ecoy Fuentes is also set to join, as well as Liah Gilliana, who helped anchor the University of Santo Tomas to their first girls' division title.

Other fencers who recently took part in the UAAP that are expected to give it a go this weekend are the likes of Vito Coching and Martina Baccay of La Salle-Zobel, Gab Bunagan, Rana Rafael, Maiev Boy, Derek Perez and Matteo General of Ateneo, Antonio Baydid, Gasti Malinao, and Ian Miranda from UST, 

From the club scene, among those set to participate this weekend are the Del Castillo siblings Oscar and Hagia Sophia, Jacob Mayo, Franco Pediapco, Jodie Tan, Jada Divinagracia, Canada-based Nadelle Turiano, Tasha Martinez, Solana Trinidad, and Skye Ong.

Cadet action will take place on Saturday, starting at 9am, with Juniors taking to the piste on Sunday, also at the same time.