Philippines seeking ASEAN ME Cup road victory at Vientiane

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team are eager to get maximum points when they face-off against Laos on Sunday evening, 6:30PM PST, at the New Laos National Stadium. Having drawn their opener in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024, the Filipinos require victory in opposition territory in order to boost their chances of progressing into the semifinals of Southeast Asia’s biggest tournament.

“We had only two days of preparation, and one was for traveling, so we only have today to really prepare for the game. It’s a very short time, but of course we are professionals, so the players will deliver their best,” said Philippine Head Coach Albert Capellas.

“They are dangerous in front. Boundphachan [Bounkong] is a good player - dangerous. I expect they will try to find him as much as they can. That is part of what we have to try to do. — he cannot receive too many balls in good positions on the field. I also expect a team that will be aggressive. Even if they’ve had a long trip as well from Indonesia, we are more or less in the same position physically,” he continued “If we want to win this game, we’ll need to be good in offense, but also very organized in our rest defense so they cannot play quick counterattacks, which they do very well."

Laos enter the match full of confidence after managing an impressive 3-3 draw away from home against highly favored Indonesia in their last outing. Zico Bailey, who impressed in his first appearance in front of the Filipino fans, is expecting a tough challenge.

“We have a lot of respect for them, they have a lot of good players. They had a good result in their last match, so we’re not taking them likely. We’re just going to go over how we’re going to play, our tactics, the formation of the players, and we’ll give our best tomorrow,” he said.

The match will be available LIVE on Matchday.ph and on One Sports+. It will also be available on a delayed basis on One Sports, Pilipinas Live, and on the Philippine Men’s National Football Team’s Facebook page.

Collegiate Champions to be determined in the UAAP

c/o UAAP

Games today at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

10 a.m. - JHS Boys' Basketball Individual Awarding Ceremony

11 a.m. – UST vs UE (JHS Finals)

1 p.m. – NU vs UST (Women Finals)

5:30 p.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men Finals)

DE LA SALLE guns for a second straight title, while University of the Philippines seeks to flip the script to reclaim the throne in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Men's Basketball Finals before an expected jampacked crowd tonight (Sunday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers-Fighting Maroons championship goes for a decider for a second year in a row, as both teams will leave everything on the floor in the 5:30 p.m. contest to close out the year on a high.

Last year, the rubber match drew 25,192 fans -- a Big Dome record for basketball.

After dropping a 65-73 decision in the series opener, De La Salle's title-retention bid barely got a lifeline following a 76-75 Game 2 victory last Saturday.

Making its fourth consecutive Game 3 appearance, UP hopes to redeem itself from its two Finals defeats and secure the crown it last won in Season 84 (May 2022) ending a 36-year championship appearance.

The Green Archers, the fifth most successful team in the league, are eyeing their 11th title overall and the first back-to-back title run since completing a four-peat from Seasons 61 to 64 (1998 to 2001).

A title contender since Season 81 (2018) after decades of being perennial also-rans, the Fighting Maroons will shoot for a fourth championship.

For coach Topex Robinson, it's all about relishing the moment and not about thinking about De La Salle's future after the Finals.

"You know, we're just going to enjoy it. The crowd will be crazy, but that's what we're here for. You know, the reason why you play the Finals is for this kind of moment. You know, you prepare for those moments and nobody could take that away from you. So we just keep on enjoying it. We're just going to be approaching it the way we used to approach it," said Robinson.

"You know, this is the second time we're going to play in a Game 3 Finals, and at this point, we don't have to worry about it yet, but it's going to be an exciting ballgame. You know, whatever the result, it's, you know, it's all about the UAAP, how the branding was, you know, that's going to be good for, I guess, college basketball and Philippine basketball as well. So it's just going to be an exciting Sunday for everybody," he added.

The Green Archers will play Game 3 for a record 10th time. De La Salle is 5-4 all-time in winner-take-all games.

As UP stares in another do-or-die situation, coach Goldwin Monteverde simply wanted his troops to just focus and value every possession to get back on top.

"I guess, yung reality: Life goes on. Ganoon naman talaga ang buhay kung minsan it will go your way, it would not. Ang importante kunng ano ang ginawa mo to achieve ang gusto mong gawin. But then if you fall short siyempre… I think yung basketball is the perfect ano naman for them to be stronger, for them to learn. And definitely with this loss matututo kaming lahat," said Monteverde said.

"We’ll come back stronger Sunday. Basketball is basketball, di ba? Minsan mananalo. Minsan matatalo. Ang importante yung bangon. Alam namin na hindi pa naman tapos ang series. Alam namin na you know, we just have to keep our heads up," he added.

For a second straight women's Finals, University of Santo Tomas and National University face off in a no-tomorrow match at 1 p.m.

The Tigresses hope to reprise last year's epic championship comeback, while the Lady Bulldogs hope to get the job done after their bid to complete a perfect 16-0 season was foiled in last Wednesday's 68-78 defeat.

"Last year kasi we won the first game, then lost the second. I think, walang advantage or disadvantage na samin sa NU. We will just play harder para makuha namin yung Game 3. It's all in our mindset na we'll do our best para makuha namin ulit yung do-or-die game on Sunday," said UST coach Haydee Ong.

"Regardless sa Game 3, sabi ko nga sa mga bata, sobrang proud ako sa kanila, even in the first game kahit talo kami. Malungkot lang kami though walang regrets talaga. Even we're undersized, undermanned, no foreign student-athlete, pinakita ng mga bata na kaya namin," she added.

The Tigresses are gunning for a 13th championship and are eyeing to win consecutive titles since a four-peat from Seasons 50 to 53 (1987 to 1990).

The Lady Bulldogs seek to become the third-winningest program in the league by annexing their eighth crown overall.

UST eyes to bag the junior high school title and sweep top-ranked University of the East in Game 2 of the Finals at 11 a.m.

The Tiger Cubs seek to not only claim the first-ever regular UAAP JHS title, but to also put an end to a 23-year futility in UAAP high school basketball championships, which began in 2001 when they were led by Jun Cortez.

"Malaking bagay ito especially sa grupo namin, pati sa akin. Dahil nung 2001, Team B player pa ako ng UST, ‘yon yung time na nagchampion yung juniors. Ngayon, mas gusto ko makuha para naman matapos yung ilang years na hindi nagcchampion. Sana makuha na namin next game, magpprepare kami, papagalitan ko ulit sila, dapat huwag kami maging complacent. Viewing, lahat," UST head coach Noli Mejos said.

All games are available for free for local and international fans via the Pilipinas Live app. The games will be also broadcast live on free-to-air TV via One Sports (Ch. 6) and in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 on Cignal TV).

Ateneo, FEU set to dispute men's football crown

c/o UAAP

Match tomorrow at the Rizal Memorial Stadium

5 p.m. — Ateneo vs FEU (Men’s)

After a grueling campaign with 44 matches played across the elimination round and Final Four, Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University have earned the right to face off for the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament championship tomorrow (Sunday)  at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Kick-off time is at 5 p.m.

Both teams enjoyed one win each over the other back in the elimination round.

The Blue Eagles prevailed 2-1 in the first round last October 6. On the other hand, the Tamaraws bounced back 1-0 in the second round last November 21.

Moreover, this is the second time in three seasons both teams have clashed for the gold with FEU emerging victorious 4-1 back in the Season 85 final on May 18, 2023.

Ateneo, which topped the elimination round with 28 points, booked its ticket to the big dance by edging fourth-seed University of Santo Tomas 2-1 last Sunday behind Leo Maquiling and Jet Dela Cruz’s goals. The Blue Eagles also have the division’s top two scorers, Dov Cariño and Maquiling, who have 11 and eight goals respectively.

JP Merida — now in his sixth final as the Blue Eagles’ mentor with championships won in Seasons 75, 79 and 81 — said it is back to the drawing board considering how Ateneo and FEU traded wins earlier this season and how both schools will be eager to reclaim lost glory.

“It's a tough game for me,” said Merida. “It’s an even (game). We won (in the) first round, we lost (in the) second round. For me, this is a good match. (We’re) looking forward to playing well of course.”

“On the opposite side, we are looking forward to FEU playing as well (as us). So right now, the best thing is to prepare. We need to go back to the screen to check their style going into  the very last game.”

Compared to Merida, this Sunday’s clash will be FEU coach Roman Oliver’s first trip to the UAAP men’s football final. However, this situation is nothing new for the Spaniard’s Tamaraws, who are on their third consecutive trip to the big dance.

FEU is coming off an intense and fight-marred 1-0 victory over the dethroned University of the Philippines, which saw Season 85 Rookie of the Year Karl Absalon score a 76th-minute winner and Fighting Maroons coach Popoy Clarino and Tamaraws defender Mel Anthony Baylon sent off for their roles in a first-half scuffle.

“Well, it's a very good feeling,” said Oliver. “It was a tough match (and a) very emotional match. We played the second half with all the best players. They fought like warriors so even I don't have to describe the feelings. (I’m) so happy, but now we have a final to prepare for next weekend.”

The Blue Eagles are gunning for their ninth championship in the men’s division. Ateneo last won the gold back in Season 81 at the expense of its archrival De La Salle University courtesy of striker Jarvey Gayoso’s late equalizer and Julian Roxas’ stoppage-time winner.

For the Tamaraws, it may not only be a 12th championship at stake by the time both teams face off on Sunday but also a collegiate double with the FEU Lady Tamaraws and De La Salle Lady Booters facing off in the final of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday.

FEU, La Salle to dispute women's football title

c/o UAAP

Match on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Stadium

5 p.m. — FEU vs DLSU (Women’s Final)

For the fourth consecutive campaign, Far Eastern University and De La Salle University will face off in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament championship late Saturday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Final will kickoff at 5 p.m.

In their elimination round encounters, the two teams were evenly matched.

Judie Arevalo’s late equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw for FEU on October 30, while an own goal from La Salle’s Chenny Dañoso handed the back-to-back defending champions a narrow 1-0 win on November 30.

The Lady Tamaraws, winners of the Season 85 and 86 titles, secured their finals berth with dominant performances in the elimination round, amassing 22 points from seven wins and one draw in just five matches.

Captain Inday Tolentin, the league's top scorer with seven goals, will lead the charge as FEU aims to continue its remarkable run.

Despite their recent dominance, FEU head coach Let Dimzon is cautioning her players against overconfidence, reminding them of the unpredictability of finals football.

“Kailangan lang talaga maging composed yung players, and again, they have to stay on the ground,” said Dimzon. “Di porket nakuha na namin from the last season and we were able to win the games last season. Kailangan pa rin we have to be focused and kunin kung ano yong objective namin for this season. Kailangan talaga mag-champion.”

Meanwhile, La Salle enters the final as underdogs. The Lady Booters finished second in the elimination round with 14 points from four wins, two draws, and two losses. However, they are coming off a surprising 1-0 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons last Saturday, which could serve as a wake-up call for the squad.

Lady Booters head coach Alvin Ocampo remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of mindset over form as his team seeks its first championship since Season 81.

“So they have to put their mindset already that no matter what system you play, no matter what football you are doing, no matter what, it all boils down to who wants it more, right,” said Ocampo.

“Everything is mental. Everyone's playing football, but a mindset is a big factor in football. It’s a good matchup. The team is always tested as the players’ levels in the women’s division pick up every game.”

The Lady Tamaraws are chasing a historic 13th championship and their first three-peat since Seasons 75–77.

A win would also position FEU for a potential treble season, with the men’s team set to face Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament final on Sunday, and their juniors team, FEU-Diliman, targeting a 13th consecutive crown in the High School Boys' Football Tournament this January.

On the other hand, the Lady Booters, led by rookie striker Dani Tanjangco with five goals this season, are determined to halt FEU’s title streak.

They aim to secure their 12th championship in the women’s division and prevent a third consecutive finals loss to their rivals.

Philippines ready to kick off its ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team are all set to begin their campaign in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, where they face Myanmar at 6:30PM on Thursday night. Four time semi-finalists on Southeast Asia’s biggest stage, the Philippines are eager to give the home fans plenty to cheer about at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

PMNFT Head Coach Albert Capellas and goalkeeper Patrick Deyto expressed their excitement ahead of what’s expected to be a fiery affair in Manila.

“It's the first game of the tournament so it's always important. We want to set the tone in a positive way,” said Deyto. “It's a good opportunity for us to showcase how we have developed in the last few camps.”

“It’s always special to play for the country, with the national team, I'm always prepared and always ready to give 100% for whatever role I have,” said the 34-year-old shot-stopper, who made his debut in the competition in 2014.

When asked about his approach against the visiting Myanmar side, Capellas revealed: “We will try to keep the ball, we will try to dominate the game, try to win from minute one.”

Myanmar is coming off a 1-0 defeat at home to Indonesia, but Capellas is still wary of their threat, as he added: “I expect a team who, they try to do quick counter-attacks, that they try to bring the ball in front as quick as possible.”

The coach remained positive about the team’s progress even with only three games thus far, describing the recent friendly defeat to Hong Kong as just “one step backwards”, but ultimately a part of the process.

Deyto and Capellas both noted the importance of the 12th man backing the team at home. “We hope that a lot of people would come to support us. Of course, the 12th man always gives us extra energy, extra boost to create a good atmosphere in the stadium,” remarked Deyto.

Tickets to the Philippines’ ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 Group B opener are available on Ticketmax.ph. The match will also be available LIVE on Matchday.ph, and on a delayed basis on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live, and on Philippine Men’s National Football Team’s Facebook page.

CHED organizes All-Star Basketball Friendship Games

CHED All-Star

A potential start to something big? The Commission on Higher Education is set to host a special three-day competition called the All-Star Basketball Friendship Games.

Set to take place starting this Wednesday at the Amoranto Sports Complex, it will feature four HEIs representing different leagues, in a showcase of skill, passion, and sportsmanship.

Representing National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) is its powerhouse St. Clare College, with Bicol-based Amando Cope College representing the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA). The University of Northern Philippines will be carrying the flag of the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), with the Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Marikina of the Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) completing the field.

To spice things up, an Opening Ceremony is slated to take place at 8am, followed by an exhibition involving a selection from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) against their counterparts from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

UNP and ACC will commence tourney proper at 1pm, followed by St. Clare and PLMar at 3pm.

Action resumes on Thursday with all four teams completing their round robins.

Serving as the morning doubleheader is UNP-St. Clare and ACC-PLMar, followed by UNP-PLMar and St. Clare-ACC in the afternoon.

The best two teams after this round robin will face off on Friday at 10am, with the other two teams tangling at 8am for third.

CHED chairman Prospero de Vera and Senator Bong Go are expected to be present for the event.

GMA Network has been tapped as the official partner of this event along with Design Express and Digital Out-Of-Home.

UP, NU seek to conclude collegiate basketball season

c/o UAAP

Games today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – UE vs UST (JHS Finals Game 1)

1 p.m. - Women's Basketball Individual Awarding Ceremony

1:30 p.m. – UST vs NU (Women Finals Game 2)

5 p.m. - Men's Basketball Individual Awarding Ceremony

5:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals Game 2)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines hopes to complete what it failed to do in the two previous UAAP men's basketball Finals, closing out the series and winning it all.

Coach Goldwin Monteverde knows that the Fighting Maroons have moved on with the previous episodes of heartaches as they endured.

After winning the Season 84 (2022) championship that ended a 36-year drought, UP lost the title to Ateneo in a rematch six months later and bowed to De La Salle last year, as it failed to sustain its series-opening victories.

"We never naman dwell on the past no? So right now, as I said, part of the process of winning a championship is you know, winning Game 1. So we got Game 1 right now so we’re gonna prepare for Game 2," Monteverde said.

"So we’re gonna do our best, lahat ng makakaya namin to get it, and when that game day comes, whatever comes our way, we’re gonna face the challenge there," he added.

The Fighting Maroons are bracing for a big Green Archers fightback and whatever in-game adjustments the defending champions will throw in Game 2 at 5:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Behind one-and-done center Quentin Millora-Brown and graduating guard JD Cagulangan, UP used a strong third quarter and held De La Salle's reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao to a single point in the second half to pull off a 73-65 victory last Sunday.

It was the Fighting Maroons' fourth consecutive Game 1 Finals win.

Coach Topex Robinson hopes that the Green Archers would rediscover their system that installed the Taft-based squad as the No. 1 team in the eliminations.

"At this point, it's just a matter of us gaining a learning from this experience. The only thing that I told the team, there's a reason why this is a series you don't win a championship by winning one game, you need two games," Robinson said.

"So we still have a chance we’ve been in this situation before, we just have to keep on being positive and try to learn from this experience. Again that's a tough team we played, we just have to slug it out in the end," he added.

The Fighting Maroons are 0-4 all-time in Game 2s in the Final Four era.

UP hopes to become the first team since the 16-0 Ateneo squad in Season 82 (2019) to register a two-game Finals sweep.

A victory by the Green Archers will send the series to a Game 3 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, National University hopes to complete a perfect 16-0 season and reclaim the women's throne against holders University of Santo Tomas at 1 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs barely protected their unbeaten record, rallying from a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the Tigresses, 72-71.

As NU guns for its eighth title in nine seasons, coach Aris Dimaunahan is determined to accomplish its redemption tour.

"Talk about mindset, again our mantra since Day 1 is to and was to improve on the daily. We always want to get better than the day before, and that will still be our mantra, that will still be our mindset to get better from the next days before our next game so that we could be more ready come Game 2 and hopefully, we will play a lot better in Game 2 so that we could be nearing dun sa gusto naming destination this year," Dimaunahan said.

Coach Haydee Ong remains upbeat that UST will fight and live another day as her troops put up a gallant stand in the opener.

"Nothing to be ashamed of. The girls did very well and I'm so proud of them. Hopefully, manalo kami. Yung mga miscues namin sa defense namin, yun yung mga tatargetin namin for two more days. Kung ano yung mga kailangan namin gawin. And we'll be back stronger," Ong said.

Expect an intense showdown between the Lady Bulldogs' Camille Clarin and the Tigresses' Kent Pastrana, who battled tooth and nail this past Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

In the junior high school division, University of the East and UST will clash in the division’s Finals opener to open the three-game championship slate at 11 a.m.

The well-rested Junior Warriors gained an early passage to the Finals after dethroning inaugural champions NUNS Bullpups, while the Tiger Cubs had to defeat Season 86 silver medalists FEU-D Baby Tamaraws twice to clinch the last Finals ticket.

For head coach Andrew Estrella, they are not only focused on their division’s glory, as UE looks to end a 39-year UAAP basketball title drought across all divisions.

“Right now, we are just thinking about the present. Siyempre, nandiyan yung other stuff na matagal na walang basketball championship and UE. That’s our motivation. We are also motivated to win a championship for Boss Frank, Boss Jacob and Boss Jared (Lao), especially, alam natin yung nangyari sa Benilde sa NCAA,” Estrella said.

UST head coach Noli Mejos, on the other hand, believes that it will take more than the Tiger Cubs star trio of Jhon Canapi, Dustin Bathan, and Andwele Cabanero to finally take down UE, citing the importance of team chemistry and doubled hard work in training.

While the Tiger Cubs lost both elimination matches to the Junior Warriors, UST came close to taking down UE with a narrow 78-80 defeat in their second-round encounter last October 30.

“Dadagdagan pa namin yung effort namin [against UE], especially on defense. Balik sa practice, viewing na naman. Kung nagawa namin dati na matalo sa kanila by two points, kulang yung effort namin at players noon, ngayon dadagdagan namin para manalo kami,” Mejos said.

All games are available for free for local and international fans via the Pilipinas Live app. The games will be also broadcast live on free-to-air TV via One Sports (Ch. 6) and in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 on Cignal TV).

Stallion Laguna FC claims PFF Women's Cup title

Stallion Laguna FC

Stallion Laguna FC claimed the 2024 edition of the PFF Women's Cup on Monday night, dispatching Kaya FC-Iloilo, 1-0 in the final that took place at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The lone goal of the match came early on, as Chandler McDaniel volleyed it past the keeper from way outside the box about 120 seconds into the match.

McDaniel shared afterwards, "We wanted to come in and make a statement we wanted to win of course... Coming from last season, we really wanted to make a statement, come back and that’s exactly what we did and we will keep on moving."

The McDaniel siblings returned to the club after a brief sojourn overseas, highlighting the major buildup the team had in the offseason, which included signings like recent national team callups Jess Miclat, and Bella Pasion, as well as other acquisitions like Jamia Fields, whose stoppage-time winner allowed them to beat Kaya in the preliminaries.

Chandler and Olivia also led the individual awardees that were also handed out that evening, with the former named as the Most Valuable Player and the latter as the Best Goalkeeper.

Other individual awardees include Hali Long as the Best Defender, Katrina Wetherell as the Best Midfielder, and Golden Boot awardee Julissa Cisneros, who scored eleven goals in the competition.

Capping off the awardees are Tuloy FC as Fairplay Award winners.

In a statement, Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez shares, "Congratulations to Stallion Laguna FC on their championship victory and to all the award recipients for their outstanding performances.. The PFF Women’s Cup 2024 showcased the incredible talent and dedication of women’s football, and we are excited to continue supporting the growth of the sport in the Philippines."

Supported as well by Coca-Cola, the PFF Women's Cup showcased some of the best of the best in women's football being played in the country, allowed its athletes to have a platform in which to shine. Expect more action down the line with the PFF Women's League slated to take place in 2025.

All systems go for eFIBA World Finals in Clark

 Standing from L to R - Julian Mallillin - Coach Nite Alparas - Clark Banzon - Seating from L to R - Prich Diez - Kenneth Gutierrez - Isaiah Alindada

The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the world will be watching as the Philippines hosts the eFIBA World Finals presented by Predator and sponsored by Smart, PLDT, Red Bull, and Nike. It will be on December 11 and 12 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga.

Eight teams qualified through Regional Championships in eFIBA Season 3 and these squads have been divided into two groups. Group A has USA, Algeria, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia while Group B will feature Brazil, New Zealand, Turkiye, and the Philippines.

“Esports has seen a massive rise in popularity in the past few years and FIBA wanted to grow the sport of basketball not just on the court but in that field as well,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy. “The SBP is fully committed to FIBA in this endeavour and that is the reason why we’re hosting the eFIBA World Finals in Clark. The SBP’s ability in hosting world-class events is proven and we’re hopeful the World Finals will be added to the long list of successful FIBA events we’ve had in the Philippines.”

The public is invited to witness the event as admission is free.

To further heat up the event, the SBP is also hosting a 1v1 Showdown that is open to all 2K Gamers.

“We’re inviting everyone to support the eFIBA World Finals and our very own eGilas Pilipinas as they take on the world’s best at the SMX Convention Center,” added Dy. “We appreciate the consistent support from Smart in all of the SBP events including the World Finals and we’ve also partnered with the Laus Group to give our eGilas the best shot at winning. We’re banking on the help of the hometown crowd to help them out.”

Ateneo makes return to UAAP Men's Football Final

c/o UAAP

JET Dela Cruz’s header in the 70th minute sent top-seeded Ateneo de Manila University back into the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Final, edging out University of Santo Tomas, 2-1, on Sunday evening at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Blue Eagles' clinical finish proved to be the game-winner as they booked their spot in the championship match, setting the stage for a rematch with Far Eastern University.

Back in the Season 85 Final, the Tamaraws tormented the Blue Eagles, 4-1.

The Tamaraws earlier triumphed 1-0 over University of the Philippines in the other semifinal.

This time, the Blue Eagles, aiming for a ninth title in the sport, are seeking redemption after the two teams split their elimination matches.

The Final is set for Sunday at 5 p.m. in the same Malate venue.

“It’s a tough game for me; it’s an even game. We won the first round, we lost the second round, so for me this will be a good match. We’re looking forward to play well, of course, on the opposite side, we are looking forward that FEU will play well also. So right now the best thing is to prepare. We need to go back to the screen to check their style going into the very last game,” said Ateneo head coach JP Merida on his thoughts of the Final.

Ateneo took the first encounter, 2-1, on October 6, as part of the first-round sweep, but FEU bagged the 1-0 squeaker in the second round.

The Blue Eagles, who led the league in scoring with 33 goals before the match, showed their offensive prowess early with multiple chances from Cariño and Leo Maquiling proved timely in their repeated attempts, but the Golden Booters did well to delay these attacks.

Against the run of play, a great build play resulted in the go-ahead in the 14th minute for the Ateneo skipper, Maquiling, who recently got a call-up to the national squad. Miguel Bengson had some space in the flank and sent the ball to his captain for the shot.

The match went back and forth from there as UST found chances at the tail end of the first period. Fittingly, in added time, a corner kick from Chris Valderama found Kyler Escobar for the equalizer just before the halftime whistle was blown.

The Blue Eagles were not the best offensive team for nothing as incessant attacks in the second period from the side eventually led to the Dela Cruz winner.

The Golden Booters tried hard to extend the match and their season, but the No. 1 side’s defense proved equal to the chances from TJ Garciano, Escobar, and Valderama, as the final whistle signaled the end of the battle.

“I am very happy that we are playing again in the Final, and, of course, this is one of our objectives: to play the last game in Season 87. Sobrang saya, coming from 81 and coming from last year, I was disappointed in the last two minutes (of the semifinals), so we bounced back and we’re really looking forward to improving. It’s a big game against FEU of course we need to prepare. There’s no tomorrow, there's no either way we need to form our play (against FEU),” Merida added.

Season hosts UP bagged the bronze medal, while UST finished its Cinderella run in fourth.

UP at cusp of reclaiming UAAP crown

c/o UAAP

Games Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – UE vs UST (JHS Finals Game 1)

1 p.m. – UST vs NU (Women Finals Game 1)

5:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals Game 2)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines is on the verge of reclaiming the UAAP men’s basketball title for a fourth straight season.

The Fighting Maroons though failed close it out in the last two Finals and are hoping to get the job done this time.

UP mounted a fourth-quarter surge to take down defending champion La Salle, 73-65, for a 1-0 series lead on Sunday evening in front of 16,202 fans at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, UP is now just one game away from its fourth UAAP men’s basketball title, its first since its historic triumph in Season 84 in 2022.

The Fighting Maroons also extended their streak to four consecutive Game 1 victories in the Finals, dating back to an 81-74 win over Ateneo de Manila University in the bubble season.

“Game 1’s won’t win championships. Although ang goal is to always win Game 1, nandito na kami, one game away. We just have to focus kung ano pa need namin i-improve in terms of lapses during the game kanina and try to prepare pa for the next game,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

Holding a slim 54-50 advantage heading into the fourth quarter, Quentin Millora-Brown and Aldous Torculas powered UP’s 11-4 start to the period, sending La Salle down an 11-point hole, 65-54, with 5:56 remaining.

Though La Salle closed the gap to 65-61 after back-to-back baskets from Mike Phillips and an inside hit from Lian Ramiro with 1:42 left, a five-point spurt from UP team captain Gerry Abadiano extended the Fighting Maroons' lead to 70-63 with 40.1 seconds remaining.

A layup from Phillips trimmed the deficit to 70-65 with 36.4 seconds left, but Harold Alarcon and JD Cagulangan sealed the win with three successful free throws, ending UP's four-game skid against La Salle.

The Fighting Maroons now have the chance to complete their redemption season on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“We know naman that every game we play against La Salle, defense is really key to winning the game. I felt that nung second half, we had more intensity defensively [and] we communicated better. For me, it was a total team effort. Offensively, we moved the ball much better nung second quarter and good thing we sustained it to the second half,” Monteverde added.

Millora-Brown, who missed their second-round encounter with La Salle due to the passing of his grandfather, starred with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, along with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.

Cagulangan contributed 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

Francis Lopez also scored 13 points to go along with six rebounds, four blocks, two assists, and one steal, while Abadiano ended the day with nine points and eight rebounds.

On the other hand, the Green Archers  will aim to force a do-or-die Game 3 in their quest to retain the crown.

After Kevin Quiambao exploded for 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the first half, UP’s defense limited the presumptive back-to-back MVP to just one point on 0-of-6 shooting in the second half. His only point came from a technical free throw at the 5:38 mark of the fourth quarter.

The do-it-all 6-foot-7 forward still contributed 11 rebounds, one assist, and one block but also turned the ball over six times.

Phillips paced the Green Archers with a double-double effort of 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and one steal, while EJ Gollena added 11 points and four rebounds.

CJ Austria chipped in seven points, five rebounds, two assists, and one block in the loss.

The Scores:

UP (73) - Millora-Brown 17, Cagulangan 13, Lopez 13, Abadiano 9, Torculas 7, Bayla 5, Alarcon 4, Torres 3, Fortea 2, Stevens 0, Felicilda 0, Ududo 0.

DLSU (65) - Quiambao 19, Phillips 17, Gollena 11, Austria 7, Ramiro 5, David 2, Agunnane 2, Marasigan 2, Dungo 0, Macalalag 0, Gonzales 0, Rubico 0.

Quarterscores: 11-18, 37-41, 50-54, 73-65.

FEU snaps UP men's football reign

c/o UAAP

KARL Absalon scored the winner as 10-man Far Eastern University prevailed 1-0 against defending champion University of the Philippines in an intense and fight-marred clash to advance to the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Final on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Absalon, a third-year forward who replaced Edgar Aban, capitalized on a costly defensive lapse by Charles Lobitaña and goalkeeper Alfonzo Gonzales in the 76th minute, securing a third straight Final appearance for the Tamaraws.

FEU will aim for its 12th UAAP title on Sunday at the same historic Malate venue.

The Tamaraws will face the winner of the other semifinal between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the UST Golden Booters which is ongoing as of publishing time.

"No preference. I just wish the best of the lot for both of them; hopefully, the better team will win. And whoever is it, (we) will face them and we will do our best to win," said first-year FEU head coach Roman Oliver.

The first half saw both teams creating chances, with Theo Libarnes testing UP’s defense for FEU.

However, UP had the best opportunity in the 17th minute when Liam Lampayan’s long-range effort was saved by FEU goalkeeper Mon Diansuy.

The match grew increasingly intense, with referee Meliton Pelayo warning both captains, Macky Tobias and Anthony Baylon, to tighten the match from that point onward.

In added time of the first half, a scuffle broke out between Florenz Tacardon and substitute Absalon as they fought for a loose ball.

The altercation lasted six minutes before the officials regained control, issuing yellow cards to Tacardon and CJ Donato for UP and Rustel Buenave for FEU.

UP head coach Popoy Clarino and Baylon were also sent off for a second yellow card, forcing FEU to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

“Well, it's a very good feeling. It was a tough match, a very emotional match. We played the whole second half with all our best players fighting like warriors, so I don’t even have to describe the feelings. So happy, but now we have a final to prepare for next weekend,” said Oliver.

Despite early chances from UP in the second half, Diansuy continued to thwart their efforts.

FEU took the lead when Absalon found the back of the net, and the Tamaraws held firm with resolute defending to see out the match.

UP must wait for the result of the Ateneo-UST match to determine their fate. A victory by the Blue Eagles would secure the Fighting Maroons the bronze medal.

NU at cusp of undefeated season

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – UE vs UST (JHS Finals Game 1)

1 p.m. – UST vs NU (Women Finals Game 2)

5:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals Game 2)

NATIONAL University is on the verge of reclaiming the championship that was once theirs: the UAAP Women’s Basketball title.

The Lady Bulldogs displayed their composure and championship mentality in the fourth quarter, with Cielo Pagdulagan's clutch go-ahead basket lifting them to a 72-71 victory over defending champions University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses to take Game One of the best-of-three UAAP Season 87 Finals on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Pagdulagan, the presumptive Season 87 Rookie of the Year, exhibited poise beyond her years, scoring the game-winning layup to give NU a one-point advantage with 50.3 seconds left.

Despite shooting just 3-of-12 from the field prior to the basket, she made the most of the crucial moment.

UST had several opportunities to steal the win, but Kent Pastrana committed a traveling violation, and Tacky Tacatac missed a potential game-winning three-pointer, sealing NU’s victory and extending their winning streak to 15 games.

“I’m glad and happy for our players. Nobody veered away from what we do, especially in the second half. It’s a hell of a game for both teams. It’s good for the league and for fans that women’s basketball is turning out to be like this. That means the level in both teams is leveling up,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan said.

The Lady Bulldogs surged in the second half, outscoring UST 18-7 in the third quarter to turn a 48-57 deficit into a 65-all tie with 5:56 left in the fourth. The run was capped by two free throws from Ann Pingol and a layup from Pagdulagan.

After a brief four-point lead from Season 85 MVP Eka Soriano, NU responded with free throws from Pringle Fabruada and Gypsy Canuto to regain a slim 70-69 advantage with 1:38 remaining.

NU center Jainaba Konateh was assessed an unsportsmanlike foul for stepping into the landing area of Rachel Ambos’ three-point attempt with 41.5 seconds left in the second quarter.

The Lady Bulldogs will have a chance to reclaim the championship— their eighth title in the past nine UAAP seasons— on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“We know for a fact that it’s a short series. The mindset of our team was very important to get Game 1. We should not look at the results right away; let the results take care of themselves,” Dimaunahan added.

Pingol led NU with a near-double-double performance, registering 18 points, nine rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block.

Camille Clarin added 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, but turned the ball over seven times.

Angel Surada contributed nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block, while Pagdulagan finished with nine points and five rebounds.

Fabruada also helped with eight points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

On the other hand, UST will look to equalize and force a do-or-die Game 3 in their quest to retain the crown.

The Tigresses came off the gates early, leading by 10 to end the opening frame and as much as 14 points, 51-37, after an Agatha Bron triple with 7:19 left in the third canto.

However, the NU five would rally back, eventually leading to the frenetic end to the contest.

Pastrana, the reigning UAAP Athlete of the Year, led UST with 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Brigette Santos contributed 12 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

Tacatac, limited to eight points on 3-of-9 shooting, still added three assists, two steals, and two rebounds, while Soriano had seven points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals but struggled with 3-of-12 shooting.

Maglupay nearly posted a double-double, finishing with seven points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.

The Scores:

NU (72) - Pingol 18, Clarin 12, Surada 9, Pagdulagan 9, Fabruada 8, Betanio 6, Konateh 6, Cayabyab 3, Canuto 1, Villanueva 0, Solis 0.

UST (71) - Pastrana 22, Santos 12, Tacatac 8, Soriano 7, Maglupay 7, Ambos 7, Bron 6, Sierba 2, Danganan 0, Serrano 0.

Quarterscores: 16-26, 37-46, 57-57, 72-71.

UST secures JHS finals berth

c/o UAAP

Games Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – UE vs UST (JHS Finals Game 1)

1 p.m. – UST vs NU (Women Finals Game 2)

5:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals Game 2)

THIRD-RANKED University of Santo Tomas completed its dismantling of second-seeded Far Eastern University-Diliman, carving out a hard-fought 67-61 victory to secure the final ticket to the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Finals on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Tiger Cubs advance to face a dominant University of the East Junior Warriors squad in a best-of-three championship series starting Wednesday, December 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

UE had earlier secured its spot in the finals after dethroning inaugural champion National University Nazareth School with a commanding 85-64 win, giving the Junior Warriors a week of preparation for the championship round.

UST, meanwhile, had to dig deep to overcome a resilient FEU-D squad twice, beginning with an 84-75 win last Wednesday.

The Tiger Cubs dropped both elimination-round games to the Junior Warriors but showed they are capable of challenging the top-seeded UE, narrowly losing 78-80 in their second-round meeting on October 30.

“Dadagdagan pa namin yung effort namin [against UE], especially on defense. Balik sa practice, viewing na naman. Kung nagawa namin dati na matalo sa kanila by two points, kulang yung effort namin at players noon, ngayon dadagdagan namin para manalo kami,” Tiger Cubs head coach Noli Mejos said.

UST held a 59-53 cushion with 6:00 left in the game, but the Baby Tamaraws mounted a furious comeback.

CP Miranda’s four-point spurt and an inside bucket from Mark Dulin tied the game at 59-all with 1:53 remaining.

However, Gab Castro emerged as the unsung hero for the Tiger Cubs.

The 15-year-old center from Victory Christian International School delivered three clutch inside baskets, including an and-one layup with 23.4 seconds left, effectively sealing the game for UST with a comfortable 66-61 lead.

In all three plays, Castro was assisted by either Andwele Cabanero or Jhon Canapi.

Anton Lopez had an opportunity to close the gap for FEU-D late in the game, but Canapi swatted away his three-point attempt.

“Naging prepared lang din talaga kami, nagbunga rin yung sacrifices, may halo na ring swerte. Halos lahat din, lucky shots ‘eh. Yung baskets ni Castro, malaking bagay. Nagsimula ‘yan nung sacrifices ng mga bata sa practice, talagang sakripisyo all out,” Mejos continued.

For the second straight game, Mejos shortened his rotation to just seven players.

In the previous game, he utilized eight players, though eighth man Roi Balague played only two minutes and 35 seconds.

Cabanero led the Tiger Cubs with another stellar all-around performance, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Dustin Bathan matched his scoring with 15 points while adding six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Miguel Jubilado contributed 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Castro shone with 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block off the bench.

Despite struggling with his shooting, finishing with just nine points on 2-of-14 from the field, Canapi, the runner-up in the MVP race, made his presence felt with six rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks.

It was a heartbreaking finish for FEU-D, runners-up in the inaugural tournament, who entered the semifinals as the second seed with a 12-2 record.

The Baby Tamaraws were also the only team to defeat the Junior Warriors this season, securing an 81-66 victory in the second round last November 24.

Lakay Pasinos carried the load for the Baby Tamaraws with 17 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Lopez chipped in 11 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and one block.

Mark Dulin also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, along with four assists, three blocks, and one steal, while Prince Carino added 10 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in the losing effort.

The Scores:

UST (67) - Cabanero 15, Bathan 15, Jubilado 13, Castro 11, Canapi 9, Villacarlos, Balague 2.

FEU-D (61) - Pasinos 17, Lopez 11, Dulin 11, Carino 10, Miranda 6, Pineda 4, Santos 2, Lassiter 0, Diaz 0.

Quarterscores: 21-16, 35-32, 52-48, 67-61.

UP caps women's football season with La Salle stunner

c/o UAAP

Men's Semifinal Matches on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium

4:30 p.m. - FEU  VS. UP

7 p.m. - Ateneo vs. UST

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines spoiled De La Salle University's warmup for its December 14 final against Far Eastern University, securing a 1-0 victory to close the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women's Football elimination round on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The only goal of the match came from Yoojin Kim, who converted a penalty just before halftime.

Despite the win, UP finished the season with eight points and a minus-nine goal difference, falling just short of a bronze medal to University of Santo Tomas, which had a superior minus-one goal difference.

UP head coach Andres Gonzales dedicated the win to the team's graduating players: Kim, Anya Fuentes, Zayin Penetrante, Martina Cloma, Roxanne Eduave, and Maridona Trajano.

“We wanted to dedicate this game to our seniors who sacrificed so much for the team, and they responded very well, playing with a lot of heart,” said Gonzales.

He added, “They could've just given up since we had no chance for third place, but credit to them—they really wanted to leave something behind, especially the seniors. They wanted to leave something memorable, and the younger players responded as well.”

Both teams struggled to create meaningful chances until the 45+2 minute, when UP was awarded a penalty after Stephanie Goñe handled Fuentes' cross in the box.

In the 81st minute, UP's Patricia Espinosa was shown a second yellow card for a high challenge on Maegan Alforque, leaving the Fighting Maroons down to 10 players.

Despite being shorthanded, the Fight Maroons thwarted La Salle's build-up play in the final minutes to hold on for the win and end their season on a high note.

Looking ahead, Gonzales emphasized recruitment as UP's main priority for the offseason.

“Actually ‘yong rebuild started last year but the players we got, kulang pa rin, in terms of numbers and in terms of players na kailangan namin sa certain positions that's why we had to convert many players, lalo na on our defensive line,” he explained.

“I would like to give credit to the girls because it has been a difficult season. Madaming struggles, we didn't perform as well as we had hoped for. but the injuries didn’t help also. we had a lot of new players, and then the sort preparations parang kulang in terms of integration.”

La Salle finished the eliminations in second place with 14 points and a plus-seven goal difference, setting up a fourth-straight final against defending champions Far Eastern University.

The game also marked a milestone as the first time all four match officials were women, with Jeannyfer Bruan serving as the head referee, alongside Annalou Arrogante, Cherry Bernabe, and Jycellia Diong as the assistant referees.

FEU readies for Women's Final with Ateneo thrashing

c/o UAAP

Men's Semifinal Matches on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium

4:30 p.m. - FEU  VS. UP

7 p.m. - Ateneo vs. UST

INDAY Tolentin and the rest of Far Eastern University warmed up ahead of this Saturday’s Final with a 7-1 thrashing of Ateneo de Manila University in its last elimination game in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Field.

The defending champion concluded the eliminations in first place undefeated with 22 points on seven wins and a draw.

Tolentin reclaimed the league’s top scorer spot with seven goals after a quick brace from a spot-kick in the 44th minute followed by a perfectly-hit chance in front of goal before halftime.

Despite the win, FEU head coach Let Dimzon said the Lady Tamaraws are still working on their ability to control the ball in the final-third ahead of their date with the De La Salle Lady Booters.

“I think ‘yong wino-work namin in front of the attacking third, I think this game nag work siya. ‘yon ‘yong hinanap talaga namin,“ Dimzon said.

“Malakas yong attacking namin, kaya naming ihold yung opponents inside their pitch pero yong nagiging problem lang talaga namin is yong mga final touches when it comes inside the box and outside the box,” she added.

“Ayon lang talaga yong kailangan namin tutukan as of now.”

FEU one-upped their 3-0 first round performance against the Blue Eagles with a plethora of goals scattered throughout the team.

Angel Egay opened the onslaught in the seventh minute after scoring a slick header past Ateneo goalkeeper Chelssy Casals. Althea Rebosura's long-strike in the ninth minute doubled FEU’s advantage.

Nikk Duran and Carmela Altiche added to the Lady Tamaraws’ lead in the 33rd and 37th minutes respectively to make it 4-0.

Blue Eagles forward Angely Alferez grabbed a consolation goal in the 54th minute off a set piece.

Egay followed in Tolentin’s footsteps with a brace for herself to complete the rout.

Moreover, Dimzon also reiterated the team’s focus this season: to win its third straight title.

“Kailangan lang talaga maging composed yung players, and then again, they have to stay in the ground,” she said.

“Di porket nakuha na namin from the last season we were able to win the games last season, kailangan pa rin we have to be focused and kunin kung ano ‘yong objective namin for this season, kailangan talaga mag champion,” added Dimzon.

Ateneo ended its Season 87 campaign in last place with four points and a minus-16 goal difference.

UAAP Collegiate Finals set for start

c/o UAAP

Games Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum)

11 a.m. – UST vs FEU-D (JHS Final Four)

1 p.m. – NU vs UST (Women Finals)

5:30 p.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men Finals)

DE LA SALLE will finally test the mettle of a full-strength University of the Philippines when Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball championship reels off Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The back-to-back title-seeking Green Archers swept their elimination round head-to-head against the Fighting Maroons, who aim to make it up from their two previous Finals losses after ending a 36-year title drought in UAAP Season 84 (May 2022).

But UP missed Quentin Millora-Brown in the second round, who rejoined his family in the United States with the passing of his grandfather Angel last month and was without JD Cagulangan in the first round due to injury.

Coach Topex Robinson is bracing for what the Fighting Maroons will throw at them in the Finals opener at 5:30 p.m.

"Again, what’s obvious during those first two meetings was, you know, UP didn’t have a complete lineup. I guess, that’s one thing we haven’t seen," Robinson said.

The Fighting Maroons have proved their worth in the preseason by defeating the Green Archers and are capable of doing so in the UAAP.

"Going back to our FilOil meetings, they beat us twice. That’s one thing that we have to remember. If they’re going to be a complete team out there, they’re going to be… They came here as the No. 1 team. We’re just slowly catching up at the second spot," Robinson said.

"Again, in this Finals, it’s about how we’re gonna be prepared. We know UP is always gonna be all-out and they like to be the best that they could be. And this is just gonna make us better.

"It’s gonna challenge us and sabi nga namin we don’t really put so much on what the other team will do but we’re just gonna focus ourselves. And that’s what’s important for us," he added.

Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips are determined to elevate their game several notches higher, while Joshua David, who vastly improved his performance this season, will be such a huge help especially when the going gets tough.

Coach Goldwin Monteverde is not dwelling on the Fighting Maroons' heartbreaks in the past two seasons and is now focusing on the present.

"Sa amin naman, from the last season, yung nangyari sa last season. We took that to heart sa first practice pa lang. We as a team, ‘yung goal namin is to take it one game at a time. Ngayon, nandito na kami. Yan ang maganda sa Finals, mag-start kami ng 0-0. It’s a best-of-three series. We’re looking forward to preparing and playing our best," Monteverde said.

One-and-done Millora-Brown from The Citadel seeks to make up for missing the second round duel by imposing his 6-foot-8 body at will in the middle, while Cagulangan and Harold Alarcon will provide the needed offense during crunch time.

De La Salle is gunning for an 11th title, eyeing to move closer to fourth-running Ateneo's 12, while UP hopes to dangle its fourth championship overall.

In the women's division, unbeaten National University and holders University of Santo Tomas duke it out in the Finals opener at 1 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs gained an outright passage to the best-of-three championship series after going 14-0 in the eliminations against the Tigresses, who hurdle two do-or-die matches in the step-ladder stage to arrange a rematch.

NU coach Aris Dimaunahan has tried to keep his troops sharp during the long break going to Game 1.

"I think our commitment to getting a chance to bounce back this year, I think that's an added motivation for us to really stay locked in and really work on our game in preparation for the championship na napuntahan namin ngayon," Dimaunahan said.

Angel Surada and Camille Clarin have been the glue that stuck the Lady Bulldogs together, and the seven-time champions boast of foreign student-athlete Jainaba Konateh who can dominate the paint.

"Again, we have to work harder, together. Sa NU, dehado kami sa height so we have to work harder talaga sa loob," said UST coach Haydee Ong.

Do-it-all Kent Pastrana will be the Tigresses' heart and soul as they shoot for a second straight title and 13th overall.

In the junior high school division, second-seeded Far Eastern University-Diliman and University of Santo Tomas clash for the last finals spot in the division.

University of the East is awaiting the winner of the battle between FEU-D and UST after dethroning reigning champion National University Nazareth School, 85-64, last Wednesday.

The Baby Tamaraws had a chance to enter the championship round, but the Tiger Cubs disarmed them of their twice-to-beat advantage, 84-75, to force a rubber match for a spot in the finals.

"Adjust pa rin kami. Balik sa training, balik sa viewing para makapagprepare lahat. Same as nung prinepare namin nung first game, adjustment doon sa game ng FEU kasi magaadjust din sila. Magaadjust din kami para makapasok ng finals," UST head coach Noli Mejos said.

The Tiger Cubs will shoot for their first-ever finals appearance in the division, while the Baby Tamaraws look to return to the finals after a runner-up finish in the inaugural season early this year.

All games are available for free for local and international fans via the Pilipinas Live app. The games will be also broadcast live on free-to-air TV via One Sports and in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel on Cignal TV.

Cantada leads outstanding athletes in Girls Volleyball

c/o UAAP

FOR the second consecutive season, the UAAP High School Girls’ Volleyball Most Valuable Player hails from Adamson University.

Sam Cantada was named the UAAP Season 87 MVP after leading the Lady Baby Falcons to back-to-back Finals appearances in the girls' volleyball tournament. 

Last season, Shaina Nitura became the first-ever MVP from Adamson, marking a historic achievement for the school.

The 5-foot-7 outside spiker from Dasmariñas, Cavite was the tournament’s leading scorer after the elimination round, amassing 180 points through 134 attacks (on 34.01% efficiency), 14 blocks, and a league-leading 32 aces. She also ranked as the seventh-best receiver with 20.57% efficiency.

“For me po talaga, itong Season MVP po na ‘to ay kine-credit ko po sa buong team kasi di ko naman po ‘to makukuha nang wala pong collective efforts po nila,” said the 17-year-old during the awarding ceremony held after Adamson’s Game 2 loss to National University Nazareth School on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion Arena.

Cantada's teammate, Ellaine Gonzalvo, earned the Rookie of the Year honors.

Joining Cantada in the UAAP Mythical Team are University of Santo Tomas' Avil Bron and Lianne Penuliar (Best Middle Blockers); National University Nazareth School’s Den Daylisan (2nd Best Outside Spiker); FEU-Diliman’s Aleah Devosora (Best Opposite Spiker); Sheena Cafe (Best Setter); and De La Salle-Zobel’s Angel Cenizal (Best Libero).

Bron and Penuliar anchored the Junior Golden Tigresses' defense, with Bron leading the league in blocks at 0.66 per set and Penuliar tying for second with 0.57 per set.

Daylisan was the second-best scorer after the elimination round, tallying 144 points, highlighted by her 33.43% attack success rate and 0.71 aces per set. She also ranked sixth in receiving with a 22.29% efficiency.

Devosora ranked third in scoring with 144 points, placing sixth in attack success rate at 31.75%, sixth in blocks with 0.38 per set, and eighth in service aces with 0.50.

Cafe was the top setter, averaging 2.86 excellent sets per set, while also placing 26th in scoring with 51 points.

Cenizal led the league in both digs (3.78 per set) and receiving efficiency (34.2%).

Antonio leads Boys Volleyball individual awardees

c/o UAAP

A University of the East Junior Warrior has once again claimed the Most Valuable Player honor in the UAAP High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament.

Christian Antonio was named the MVP for UAAP Season 87 after an exceptional Grade 12 campaign, leading UE to a bronze-medal finish.

The 18-year-old outside hitter from Pasig City dominated the league as its top scorer, racking up 180 points with a league-high 49% attacking efficiency and a ninth-best 0.30 aces per set. Standing at 6 feet tall, Antonio also showcased his versatility as the tournament’s fifth-best receiver with a 31.39% efficiency.

"'Di ko rin po expect 'to, ginawa ko lang din po 'yung best ko sa team po. 'Di ko rin po ine-expect itong award na 'to pero napasahan po ako nito," said Antonio after receiving the accolade.

Antonio becomes the seventh MVP in UE’s history, following in the footsteps of Michael Reyes (Season 71), Morrissey Garcia (Season 72), Kim Relcopan (Season 73), Edward Camposano (Seasons 74-76), Ron Medalla (Season 77), and Shaun Ledesma (Season 78).

Joining Antonio on the All-UAAP Team are National University-Nazareth School’s Miguel Egger and UE’s Clarence Gianan as the Best Middle Blockers; Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Zedrick Calimlim and Kenneth Maliwanag as Best Outside Spiker and Best Opposite Spiker, respectively; Adamson University’s Jhon Guevarra as Best Libero; and NUNS’s Kalel Ronquillo as Best Setter.

Egger, who clinched his third consecutive Best Middle Blocker award, delivered a second-best 0.54 blocks per set and finished seventh in scoring with 138 points. Gianan led the league in blocking with 0.58 blocks per set and contributed 111 points to rank as the 15th best scorer.

Calimlim shone as the second-best scorer in the tournament, amassing 177 points and topping the service ace leaderboard with 0.56 aces per set. Maliwanag, who also earned Rookie of the Year honors, ranked third in scoring with 175 points and placed sixth in blocking with 0.4 blocks per set.

Guevarra emerged as the league’s top receiver in the elimination round with an impressive 51.46% efficiency rate, while Ronquillo distributed a second-best 3.39 excellent sets per set and ranked eighth in serving with 0.33 aces per set.

Rizal Memorial ready for UAAP Final Four

c/o UAAP

Semifinal Matches Sunday at Rizal Memorial Stadium

4:30 p.m. — UP vs FEU

7 p.m. — Ateneo vs UST

The UAAP Season 87 men’s football semifinals promise high-stakes action starting on Sunday afternoon at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with defending champion University of the Philippines taking on Far Eastern University in a rematch of last season’s final, and top-seeded Ateneo de Manila University facing fourth-ranked University of Santo Tomas in a heated evening showdown.

With final berths on the line, the stage is set for two thrilling encounters that could define the season's legacy.

UP and FEU are no strangers to tight contests, having battled to two hard-fought draws—1-1 and 2-2—during the elimination round. With just two points separating their standings (UP at 26 and FEU at 24), both squads are eager to break the deadlock in the semis.

UP coach Popoy Clarino emphasized the need for readiness and resilience as the Fighting Maroons aim to defend their crown.

“It’s a whole different game,” said Clarino. “Last year, we were against UST who came out really strong. Ateneo was the fourth seed and almost beat FEU, the first-seed team. So, it’s anyone’s game, and that’s the beauty of football.”

Clarino added: “We just have to prepare physically and mentally, and hopefully, we’re very eager to play the semifinals. We have to stay consistent, work harder, and be hungrier than ever.”

On the other hand, FEU coach Roman Oliver exudes confidence in his squad.

The Spanish mentor pointed out that despite challenging circumstances, UP has yet to secure a win against the Tamaraws this season.

“We have the full squad ready for the Final Four,” said Oliver. “I smell the fear in their faces, so let’s play again. It’s going to be a different story. We had handicaps in the first leg when we only had three days to prepare, and today we played with just 13 players. They haven’t beaten us yet, so let’s see what happens when we’re at full strength.”

The evening match sees Ateneo, the top seed with 28 points, looking to complete a season sweep of UST, which finished with 14 points.

The Blue Eagles bested the Golden Booters twice in the eliminations, securing a 2-0 victory in the first round and a narrow 3-2 win just last week.

Ateneo’s charge is led by the prolific Dov Cariño, the league’s leading scorer with 11 goals, three of which came against UST.

Despite his team’s dominance over their opponents, Blue Eagles coach JP Merida stressed the importance of staying sharp.

“We consider this as game one,” said Merida. “Game two will be next week at Rizal. Most of their main players weren’t there last time, like TJ Garciano and Chris Valderama. Same with us. Hopefully, our injured players, like Fonzy Escobin, can recover. We’re looking forward to performing well in the semis, and we’re ready for UST.”

UST coach Marjo Allado, meanwhile, sees the semifinal as a fresh start. Despite losing twice to Ateneo this season, he remains optimistic about his team’s chances.

“Kahit sino naman kalabanin namin sa semis, di naman kami namimili,” said Allado. “It’s about recalibrating the players’ mentality kasi pagdating sa semis, back to zero eh. Yung mga talo namin before, wala na yun. It’s a good semifinals ulit, and this is where we’ll see the real test.”

With extra time and penalties on the table if necessary, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The semifinal clashes are expected to deliver high drama and showcase the best of collegiate football, as the UAAP’s top four teams leave everything on the pitch for a shot at glory.

UST formalizes finals rematch in women's basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

10 a.m. – UST vs FEU-D (JHS Final Four)

1 p.m. – NU vs UST (Women Finals)

5:30 p.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men Finals)

DEFENDING champion University of Santo Tomas avoided a meltdown and showcased its championship poise, eliminating third-ranked Adamson University, 71-59, to advance to the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Growling Tigresses, the second seed with a 12-2 record, will once again face the National University Lady Bulldogs, who earned an automatic finals berth after sweeping the 14-game elimination round.

UST ended NU’s seven-season dynasty in last year’s finals, prevailing in three games.

However, the Lady Bulldogs have yet to lose since, defeating the Tigresses in both elimination-round meetings this season, 75-69 and 76-70.

The upcoming finals echo last season’s storyline, where NU dominated the eliminations before UST exacted revenge in the championship series.

Game 1 of the best-of-three finals is scheduled for Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We have to work harder together. ‘Yung dapat ayusin sa laro namin this game, doon kami magko-concentrate,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong. “For us, we are the underdogs. Ang NU palagi ang llamado, kami ang dehado.”

UST came out firing, racing to a commanding 21-4 lead in the first quarter.

However, Adamson, fueled by its mantra “Big E” for effort, stormed back and took a 37-35 lead at halftime.

Kent Pastrana, Tacky Tacatac, and Brigette Santos anchored a third-quarter resurgence for the Tigresses.

Down 39-43, they unleashed a 15-2 run to regain control, 54-45.

Adamson closed the gap to six points, 54-60, but CJ Maglupay, Santos, and Tacatac sealed the game with timely plays, extending UST’s lead to 67-55 with 3:45 remaining.

“Let’s give credit also to Adamson, kay Coach Ryan (Monteclaro) and his girls, talagang they gave us a hard time. Salute to them. It’s a total team effort for us, and at the end of the day, ‘yung defense namin dictated nung second half,” said Ong, as Adamson struggled offensively, shooting just 6-of-25 in the second half.

Pastrana, the UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year, delivered an all-around performance, tallying 23 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block, though she committed seven turnovers.

Maglupay added 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals, while Tacatac contributed 10 points despite a poor shooting night (3-of-16).

Santos also stepped up with 10 points and seven steals as UST dominated playmaking, dishing out 24 assists on 30 field goals compared to Adamson’s six assists on 21 makes.

The Lady Falcons, who reached the second phase of the stepladder with a gritty 59-53 overtime win against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, settled for bronze—a marked improvement from their 4-10, sixth-place finish last season.

Elaine Etang led Adamson with 12 points and five rebounds but struggled with her shooting (3-of-14).

Kem Adeshina also had 12 points, though 10 of those came in the first half.

The Lady Falcons will have their core back and reinforced by transferees from the UE Lady Warriors for next season.

Only May Trabado will graduate from this year's Adamson batch.

The Scores:

UST 71 - Pastrana 23, Maglupay 13, Tacatac 10, Santos 10, Ambos 7. Danganan 4, Sierba 4, Soriano 0, Bron 0, Amatong 0, Pescador 0, Reliquette 0.

AdU 59 - Etang 12, Adeshina 12, A. Alaba 9, Apag 7, Agojo 6, Limbago 4, Bajo 4, Padilla 3, Manlimos 2, Meniano 0, Ornopia 0, E. Alaba 0, Mazo 0.

Quarterscores: 21-12, 35-37, 56-48, 71-59.

UST moves on verge of second boys' volley title

c/o UAAP

Games on Saturday at the UST QPav Arena

9 a.m. – UST vs. NUNS (Boys Finals Game 2)

11 a.m. – AdU vs. NUNS (Girls Finals Game 2)

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas moved within striking distance of taking the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys' Volleyball Championship after an 18-25, 25-21, 28-26, 25-19 triumph over defending champion National University Nazareth School in Game 1 of the Finals on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Junior Golden Spikers previously won their first and only UAAP High School Boys’ Volleyball Championship in Season 80 in 2018, with a victory over FEU-Diliman in the Finals.

UST will have the chance to secure its second overall title in Game 2 of the best-of-three series at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the same venue.

The final set began as a tight back-and-forth battle, but UST broke away with a decisive five-point run, extending their lead to eight.

NUNS responded with a three-point surge to keep their hopes alive, but the gap proved insurmountable.

Joncriz Ayco's back-to-back attacks brought the Junior Golden Spikers to match point at 24-17.

Paolo Medino then delivered the final blow with a powerful kill, sealing the victory for UST.

“Nung first set kasi nawala ‘yung receive namin, then ‘yung setter medyo binabagal niya, hindi ‘yun ‘yung ginagawa naming usual. So siguro masyado silang naha-hype doon sa ano. So minotivate ko lang sila na hindi ganyan ‘yung ginagawa natin sa training, hindi ‘yan ‘yung ginawa natin na dapat mangyari,” said UST head coach Clarence Esteban.

“So at least noong second set nagising sila na nung bumilis ‘yung set namin gumanda ‘yung receive, naging okay ‘yung laro namin.”

The Bullpups came out firing in the opening set, quickly seizing control with a 9-3 advantage, fueled by a three-point run.

The Junior Golden Spikers fought back to cut the deficit to 17-14 after a scoring spree of their own, but their momentum was cut short.

NUNS regained their grip on the set, stretching their lead to six behind an attack from Matthew Abut and a block by Irilis Kasim.

A service error from UST’s Rolf De Asis brought the Bullpups to set point, where Xandrex Ragusta notched a decisive kill to claim the first set.

The second set remained tightly contested until a 16-all deadlock, but John Paul Bautista took charge, delivering three straight kills that gave the Junior Golden Spikers a crucial three-point cushion.

That momentum proved enough to keep the Bullpups at bay.

An attack error from NUNS handed UST set point, and Ayco capitalized with an attack to close out the set, 25-21.

The fourth frame was a nail-biter, with both teams battling fiercely throughout the set.

An attack error by Abut pushed UST to match point, but he quickly redeemed himself with an attack to force a deuce.

The set saw two more deadlocks before Sean Cruz and Bautista combined for a crucial block to bring the Junior Golden Spikers back to match point.

Rain Dela Paz then delivered a clutch service ace to take the set, 28-26.

John Paul Bautista fired on all cylinders with 17 points, including 16-of-41 kills, a block, and 15 excellent receptions.

Medino contributed 16 points, 15 of which came from attacks, in a match that lasted two hours and three minutes.

Jefferson Abalos masterfully steered Junior Golden Spikers’ offense with 17 excellent sets.

On defense, Kalel Legaspi anchored the team with 15 digs.

Yuan Mendoza led the Bullpups with a game-high 18 points, including 15 from attacks.

Abut and Miguel Egger provided steady support with 15 points each.

UE advances to JHS Basketball Final, awaits winner of FEU-D, UST playoff

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum

10 a.m. – UST vs FEU-D (JHS Final Four)

1 p.m. – NU vs UST/ADU (Women Finals)

5:30 p.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men Finals)

UNIVERSITY of the East dethroned inaugural division champion National University Nazareth School, 85-64, to punch its ticket to the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament Finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

UE's championship opponent remains hanging in the balance, as third-ranked University of Santo Tomas lived to fight another day, disarming Far Eastern University-Diliman of its twice-to-beat advantage, 84-75, to keep its championship aspirations alive.

The Junior Warriors will enter the championship round with fiery momentum as UE won 14 of its last 15 outings. Their lone loss of the season came at the hands of the Baby Tamaraws with an 81-66 beating last November 24.

After bowing out in last year’s Final Four to FEU-D in an overtime thriller, UE finally booked its ticket to the division’s championship round.

“Our game plan was executed by the boys. Wala akong hihilingin pa. They stuck with the game plan from the first quarter, then second quarter kami lumamang talaga. Yung consistency like before I said nung halftime, ‘yon ang hanap ko ‘eh, yung consistency from first to fourth, especially heading into the finals,” Junior Warriors head coach Andrew Estrella.

After two free throws by Chester Tulabut trimmed NUNS’ deficit to 34-25, Mav Mesina uncorked 13 points to power UE’s 20-11 second quarter surge, gaining a commanding 54-36 lead at the half.

Back-to-back triples by Jolo Pascual and Mesina sent the Bullpups down a 21-point hole with 7:48 left, further solidifying the Junior Warriors’ finals ticket and their dominance over NUNS.

UE defeated NUNS in both elimination round matches with an average winning margin of 19 points.

Mesina led the Junior Warriors’ charge with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting to go along with five assists, three rebounds, and three steals, while Pascual contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and one steal.

Jared Ferreros chipped in 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Neil Garcia and Gab Delos Reyes scored 11 points each to complete UE’s five double-digit scorers.

The Tiger Cubs did not only disarm the Baby Tamaraws of their twice-to-beat incentive, but UST also put an end to FEU-D’s six-game winning streak. Coincidentally, it was the Tiger Cubs who last defeated FEU-D with a come-from-behind 76-75 win in their second round opener last October 16.

UST and FEU-D will clash for the last finals ticket on Sunday, 10 a.m., at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

“Nakita ko nga na hindi sila nagstruggle doon sa paghabol ng FEU, naging composed sila unlike sa eliminations pag nahahabol kami. Siguro dahil preparado rin lahat, nakaadjust lahat at nagkakumpyansa rin. Pumapasok yung tira namin nung last minutes, binigay na ni Lord sa amin,” Tiger Cubs head coach Noli Mejos said.

Trailing by 10 points to open the payoff period, 57-67, Anton Lopez poured in eight points in the Baby Tamaraws’ 14-4 run to tie the match at 71-all with 5:15 remaining.

However, UST waxed hot at the right time with four consecutive triples from Miguel Jubilado, Jhon Canapi, and Dustin Bathan to keep FEU-D at bay, gaining an 84-73 cushion with 1:32 left to force a do-or-die for the last finals ticket in the division.

Canapi ended the day with 26 points, four steals, three rebounds, three assists, and one block, while Andwele Cabanero flirted with a triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.

Bathan contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Gab Castro enjoyed his best game of the season with 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting, five rebounds, and two assists.

Despite shooting 8-of-21 from the field, Lopez still contributed 23 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Prince Carino had a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double.

Lakay Pasinos also tallied a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds to go along with four blocks.  

Mac Tadeo paced NUNS in the losing effort with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one block, while Chester Tulabut was limited to 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting but still contributed 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

The Scores:

First Game:

UE (85) - Mesina 19, Pascual 12, Ferreros 11, Garcia 11, Delos Reyes 11, Oraa 6, Panganiban 5, Bungar 4, Orca 4, Okebata 2, Dalosa 0.

NUNS (64) - Tadeo 17, Tulabut 11, N. Pena 7, Quinto 7, Sabareza 6, Y. Pena 6, Khobuntin 5, Vitug 3, Reroma 2, Urea 0, Toring 0, Gutierrez 0, Maranan 0.

Quarterscores: 24-17, 54-36, 67-50, 85-64.

Second Game:

UST (84) - Canapi 26, Cabanero 15, Bathan 15, Castro 14, Jubilado 11, Balague 2, Guerrero 1, Villacarlos  0.

FEU-D (75) - Lopez 23, Carino 13, Pasinos 10, Santos 9, Miranda 5, Enriquez 5, Dulin 3, Pingris 2, Lassiter 2, Diaz 2, Victoria 0, Pineda 0, Barlan 0.

Quarterscores: 19-23, 41-38, 67-57, 84-75.