UP seeks third straight victory

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Basketball Standings

Collegiate Men's

DLSU 3 0

UP 2 0

AdU 2 1

UST 2 1

NU 1 1

FEU 0 2

UE 0 2

Ateneo 0 3

Collegiate Women's

UST 3 0

NU 2 0

AdU 2 1

Ateneo 2 1

UP 1 1

UE 0 2

FEU 0 2

DLSU 0 3

Junior High School Boys'

UE 2-0

FEU-D 2-0

DLSZ 2-1

UST 2-1

Ateneo 2-1

NUNS 0-2

UPIS 0-2

AdU 0-3

Games today at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

8 a.m. – FEU vs UE (JHS)

9:45 a.m. – NUNS vs UPIS (JHS)

11:30 a.m. – FEU vs UE (Women)

1:30 p.m. – NU vs UP (Women)

4:30 p.m. – FEU vs UE (Men)

6:30 p.m. – NU vs UP (Men)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines shoots for its third straight victory and a share of first place as it clashes with National University today (Wednesday) in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons are wary of what the Bulldogs could offer in their 6:30 p.m. match up.

NU, which placed third in the last two seasons, gave defending champion De La Salle everything to handle in a 75-78 season-opening defeat before entering the win column with a 62-60 squeaker over Far Eastern University.

The Bulldogs were able to earn a split despite losing Malian big man Mo Diassana to a season-ending knee injury, as coach Jeff Napa simply pushed his troops to work harder even without their foreign student-athlete.

After an impressive 77-61 opening night win over Ateneo, UP fended off a University of the East fourth quarter charge, 81-71, for a 2-0 record.

The Green Archers opened their title-retention campaign with a 3-0 slate, living up to the billing as this season's heavy favorites.

Ranged against a Fighting Maroons crew racing for strong starts, Napa needs his troops to match their intensity right from the go-get and avoid playing catch-up as what happened against the Tamaraws. FEU led by as much as 17 points before NU fought back and prevailed.

"We started flat and hopefully coming into the next game, kasi mabigat ang kalaban namin against UP, hindi kami puwedeng flat ng ganito," said Napa.

"Hopefully masulusyunan namin itong naging, actually hindi naman problema, naging mas masamang approach namin coming into our first quarter so para hindi na maulit para sa mga remaining games namin," he added.

The Fighting Maroons, indeed, have high respect for the Bulldogs.

"Si Coach Jeff naman, yung history niya as a coach from high school hanggang dito sa seniors, alam naman nating palaban lagi ang team niya. So whether he has a FSA or not, obviously proven na in the last two games na even almost leading against La Salle and winning via come-from-behind pa (against FEU)," said Christian Luanzon, one of Goldwin Monteverde's trusted assistants.

"I think we just have to match their intensity. We have to match that or surpass that and hopefully, we could give them a good fight."

The Red Warriors and the Tamaraws collide for a breakthrough win at 4:30 p.m. Both teams are at the near bottom at 0-2.

In the women's division, NU braces for a tough showdown with UP as it eyes to join holders UST on top of the standings at 1:30 p.m.

FEU and UE tangle in a duel of winless teams at 11:30 a.m.

Palace hosts FIVB Men's Volleyball Championship celebration

c/o PNVF

With the celebration of the Drawing of Lots happening the night before, the celebration for the upcoming FIVB Men's World Championship was extended to the subsequent day at Malacañang’s grounds.

Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Local Organizing Committee co-chair William Vincent Araneta Marcos hosted a "Concierto sa Palacio," entertaining over three hundred guests with a two-hour concert filled with fun and enthusiasm.

“It’s really unbelievable, I didn’t expect this concert for the world championship, we never expect this,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and now also the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

The entourage from the PNVF and FIVB with national athletes in volleyball and sitting volleyball started arriving at the Palace at 5 p.m. and to their surprise, a billboard-type tarp wall saying “PH to Serve” greeted them.

Said wall was a comprehensive gist on a brief history of the sport to the 32 nations competing in the worlds and a collage of action photos of the men’s national team.

“The commitment and effort of the government is extraordinary and we would like to thank the President, First Lady and Vinnie,” Suzara added.

The atmosphere was relaxed and party-like all night long as the guests were entertained by a lively number from the group that won at the World Championships of Performing Arts or more popularly known as the “Talent Olympics,” in Hollywood.

“It was fantastic to see how committed the President [Marcos] is in promoting volleyball,” FIVB general director Fabio Azevedo said. “It’s fantastic to see the volleyball euphoria in the Philippines.”

Fabio presented President Marcos a painting by Slaven Dizdarevic, an Olympian decathlete from Slovakia, who created a masterpiece on a 100 cm by 150 cm canvass depicting the glory of sports.

PNVF Chairman Emeritus Alan Peter Cayetano and fellow LOC co-chair Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and member Senator Pia Cayetano, Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sherwin Gatchalian, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman joined the fun-filled night that helped kick off the year-long countdown to the world championship the Philippines is hosting from September 12 to 28, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST overpowers Ateneo to kickstart girls' vball campaign

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the Paco Arena

9:00 a.m. – DLSZ vs. UE (Boys)

11:00 a.m. – AdU vs. Ateneo (Boys)

1:00 p.m. – UP vs. FEU (Girls)

3:00 p.m. – AdU vs. UST (Girls)

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas wasted no time in overpowering Ateneo de Manila University, dominating with a swift 25-6, 25-14, 25-15 win to start their UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball campaign on Monday at the Adamson University Gym in Manila.

Despite the graduation of key players such as Marga Altea, Bien Arasan, Ysa Chua, and Abigail Sinson, the team now faces the challenge of rising to new roles.

“Medyo may kaunting nerbyos ‘yung mga ibang bagets, pero at least naka-experience sila ng UAAP. Pero mahaba pa ‘yung liga tapos marami pa kaming dapat ayusin,” said UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes.

“Actually ‘yung adjustment, from day one noong nag-start ulit kami ng training after ng season last year, doon na ‘yung adjustment and [ito na lang] ‘yung experience ng mga games kasi nga from the bench players, sila na ‘yung mga frontliner namin ngayon,” Reyes explained.

“Day one pa lang ng UAAP namin, ‘yung laro, so mahaba ‘yung adjustment na puwedeng gawin tsaka ‘yung gelling nila, araw-araw naman ginagawa especially during training.”

Leading two sets to none, UST’s rookies came out strong in the final frame, quickly establishing a commanding 10-point lead courtesy of a 7-0 run fueled by powerful attacks from Marianne Panisales and Jezrel Silvestre.

A decisive three-point run, capped by an ace from Silvestre, extended their lead to a game-high 12 points. Although three consecutive errors allowed DLSZ to close the gap to 10 points at 19-9, UST continued to hold their ground.

A service error by Nicola Ladignon set up match point for the Junior Golden Tigresses, and Silvestre sealed the victory with another ace, finishing the match 25-15.

Alas Pilipinas Girls U18 standout Kim Rubin dominated with 14 points, including nine service aces, and five kills, while Avril Bron backed her up with eight points.

Rian Ardidon led the Blue Eagles with four points.

The straight-set romp gave UST a needed confidence booster heading into Wednesday's match-up with defending champion Adamson University.

The Baby Falcons, who are now without last season's MVP Shai Nitura who moved to college, drew a bye.

Last season’s fourth-placers, Far Eastern University-Diliman, launched their girls' campaign with a dominant 25-11, 25-14, 25-23 sweep of De La Salle-Zobel.

With the departure of key players in Clarisse Loresco and Love Lopez, the team is grappling with a notable gap in their blocking and defense.

“Malaki talagang kawalan, lalo na ngayon sa blockings namin kasi medyo lumiit ‘yung lineup namin compared to last year. ‘Yung last year kasi talagang matatangkad, talagang nakaka-block, kaya more on dine-develop pa namin ‘yung blockings namin,” said new FEU-D head coach Joanne Bunag.

“Doon kami muna naka-focus tsaka sa defense kasi ‘yun din ‘yung nagkulang sa amin last year. Kumbaga, mayroon kaming palo pero ‘yung depensa namin, doon kami nagkulang,” she added.

The Baby Lady Tamaraws took an early advantage in the third set with a three-point surge, including an attack from Sheila Pascual and an ace from rookie Althea Garavillas, putting them ahead 5-2.

The Junior Lady Spikers responded with a block from Azalia Arado that sparked a five-point run, allowing them to take the lead at 10-7 and forcing Coach Nunag to call a timeout.

DLSZ then committed four consecutive errors, enabling the FEU-D to level the score at 16.

The Baby Lady Tamaraws then regained control with three straight points, including another attack from Pascual and an ace from Raine Alonzo, pushing ahead 21-19.

The set remained closely contested as both teams exchanged two-point runs. Aleah Devosora's off-the-block kill brought FEU-D to match point, and an attack error from Kylie Celada sealed the victory for the Baby Lady Tamaraws, 25-23.

Pascual led the charge with 14 points off of 14 kills, while Devosora and Alonzo contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Aislinn Alemañia stood out for DLSZ with eight points including seven attacks and an ace.

In the boys’ matches, De La Salle-Zobel earned their first win of the season, dispatching Ateneo de Manila University in three sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-19.

In a gripping third set, the Junior Spikers and the Blue Eagles were locked in a fierce battle with the score tied four times. DLSZ eventually gained momentum, leading 11-7 after a five-point streak that saw Mario Roxas score back-to-back kills and a service ace.

A string of errors allowed Ateneo to even the score at 11. However, DLSZ then overcame the deadlock with a six-point surge, exploiting the Blue Eagles’ errors to take a 19-15 lead.

After a brief exchange of points, Gian Diaz's crosscourt hit placed the Junior Spikers at match point. Roxas then delivered the final blow, closing out the match with a 25-19 win.

Roxas led the Junior Spikers with 14 points, including 13 attacks. Returning setter and team captain Jarrett Failana dished out seven excellent sets and six service aces.

Meanwhile, Adamson University delivered a resounding 25-14, 25-16, 25-6 sweep over University of the Philippines Integrated School to begin their campaign.

The trio of Jims Ducusin, Brice Malinao, and Kirk Partosa all delivered strong performances, each scoring nine points. Ducusin and Partosa recorded eight kills apiece, while Malinao scored three service aces.

Team captain Marcus Bamba emerged as the top scorer for UPIS, scoring eight points off six kills and two aces.

Taho Story 3x3 claims title in third stop of Yunnan 3x3 circuit

TAHO Story 3x3 hoisted the country’s flag high and proud after ruling the 2024 Yunnan 3X3 Circuit-Dehong Stop 3 on Sunday.

The quartet of Louie Vigil, Mikey Macaballug and American imports Marcus Hammonds and Billy Baptist ran roughshod over the 16-team field as they emerged as the champions in China.

The Filipino club topped Pool A after winning two of their three games to earn a top seed in the knockout phase.

They would then scrape past Yan G D12 of Hong Kong, 21-17, in the round of 16; and followed that up by blasting Gwangju Dinoman of Korea, 22-10, in the quarterfinals.

Taho Story put themselves at the cusp by avenging its pool play defeat to Ares BKK of Thailand in the semifinals, 19-18.

And when the lights were at their brightest, eventual MVP Hammonds took Taho Story home with a 21-11 triumph over Kuala Lumpur in the championship game.

It’s a fitting encore for the new club which won Leg 1 of the Half Court 3x3 tournament last week.

Banh Mi Kitchen, the other Filipino team in the tilt made up of Fil-Aussie Richard Popovic, Chris de Chavez, and imports Brandon Daughtry and Kurt Hall Jr., reached the quarters before falling to runner-up Kuala Lumpur, 21-20.

Weather forces Ateneo-La Salle football cancellation

c/o UAAP

Weather conditions forced a disappointing conclusion to the opening day of the men's football tournament for the 87th season of the UAAP at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.

Heavy rains and lightning forced a stoppage of the match involving Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University with over thirteen minutes of action in place.

Protocols would then mandate an initial delay of thirty minutes in order to assess the possibility of resuming play. An additional delay of thirty minutes was then allocated to see if whether the game can resume or not.

With an hour to make the assessment, organizers decided to call it a day and cancelled the match. It will be rescheduled to a later date and will start from scratch.

Tickets purchased Sunday will be honored for the match when it is rescheduled.

It was a muted denouement for the day, which saw Far Eastern University defeat Adamson, 3-0 and the University of the East stunning the University of Santo Tomas, 2-1, in the afternoon games scheduled. 

Warriors stun Golden Booters in season opener

c/o UAAP

UNIVERSITY of the East pulled off an early reversal, fending off University of Santo Tomas, 2-1, to earn its first win in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men's Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The match began with both teams showing attacking intent.

UE's persistent pressure paid off as they took the lead.

In the 41st minute, John Bernard Magallon scored the opening goal, finishing a well-placed through ball from Jerome Abarca.

Frank Muescan praised the team’s improved preparation, noting, "Nag-respond yung mga bata because of maganda yung preparation last season nangangapa kami kung saan ngayon this time nagkaroon kami ng permanent field."

He continued, "Makikita mo yung culture nagche-change. From their lifestyle noon at yung attitude towards the game nagbago na. Before kase compliance lang pag natalo okay na. Pang kumpleto lang ng UAAP but this time its different, na mold, na build na reform. Itong bagong UE ngayon na magiging competitive siya."

UE extended its lead in the 51st minute when John Nicho converted a penalty.

UST's efforts to respond were rewarded with a goal from Renan Ballespin in the 64th minute, which boosted their confidence.

However, missed opportunities, including a crucial tap-in attempt by Chris Valderama that was denied by UE goalkeeper Nicko Cloma, prevented UST from equalizing.

UE will aim to build on this momentum as it faces De La Salle University this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the UP Football Field.

On the other hand, UST's disappointing start comes after a strong showing last season, where they finished as the second runner-up.

The Golden Booters struggled to break through UE's defense, with several set pieces failing to convert into goals.

UST will look to bounce back and seek redemption in its next match against defending champion University of the Philippines on September 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the same venue.

Adamson stuns UST

c/o UAAP

Coming off on the wrong side of a 30-point blowout, Adamson University rebounded big time by dealing University of Santo Tomas its first loss of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, 69-56, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Soaring Falcons put the game away with a 17-1 rally to end the third with contributions from Matthew Montebon, Matty Erolon, and Royce Mantua for a 14-point, 52-38 lead entering the fourth.

Overall, the Growling Tigers were limited to just six points in the third period while allowing the Falcons to score 19.

“Tingin ko, there were some doubts heading into the game after struggling the last few days. What the first half showed was we could stay with them. After the break, it’s a realization na pwede pala despite UST having a stronger line-up and support compared to last year,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.

“Kaya pala natin sumabay. That triggered it in the second half. Our defense was commendable.”

UST, which is eyeing a 3-0 start for the first time since UAAP Season 78 (2015), opened the game decisively, taking a 20-13 advantage into the second frame but it all went downhill from there.

The Growling Tigers scored just 36 points the rest of the way.

Montebon scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists, and made two steals as Adamson hiked its record to 2-1, forcing a tie at third with UST.

AJ Fransman, a transferee from Enderun Colleges, added 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win while Mantua also had a good game against his former school, tallying 11 points on a 4-of-5 shooting from the field.

Adamson will look to build on this win when it battles Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, 6:30 p.m., at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Nic Cabañero was a one-man show for the Growling Tigers with 16 points and five rebounds.

Christian Manaytay and Mo Tounkara chipped in nine and seven points, respectively.

UST will shoot to return to its winning ways on Saturday as well against National University.

The Scores:

AdU 69 – Montebon 15, Fransman 11, Mantua 11, Erolon 6, Yerro 5, Calisay 5, Manzano 5, Ramos 5, Barasi 2, Ojarikre 2, Anabo 2, Ronzone 0, Ignacio 0, Dignadice 0.

UST 56 – Cabañero 16, Manaytay 9, Tounkara 7, Paranada 6, Lane 4, Robinson 3, Pangilinan 3, Padrigao 2, Estacio 2, Llemit 2, Laure 2, Acido 0, Crisostomo 0, Mahmood 0.

Quarterscores: 13-20, 33-32, 52-39, 69-56