Nine Filipinos set for YOG participation

As shared by the POC Media

IT’S on to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar for nine young athletes aged no older than 17 seeing action in the games’ fourth edition set October 31 to November 13.

“They are the future Olympians, future world champions and the Dakar YOG will provide them the platform to follow the footsteps of the Diazes and Yulos,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, referring to the country’s Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and Carlos Yulo.

Carrying the country’s colors in Dakar are Pi Durden Wangkay (men’s 200m) and Naomi Marjorie Caesar (women’s 800m) in athletics, Jamesray Mishael Ajido (men’s 100m butterfly) and Riannah Chantelle Coleman (women’s 100m breaststroke) in aquatics, Maritanya Krog (women's road and individual time trial) in cycling, Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III in artistic gymnastics, Angel Polo (women's Taijiquan combined) in wushu and Jade Justiniane in windsurfing of sailing.

Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary-general Rocky Samson is the Chef de Mission to the YOG that are also staged every four years (Singapore 2010, Nanjing 2014 and Buenos Aires 2018) line the Summer Olympics—the Dakar edition is the first time that an Olympics event is being held on African soil.

The YOG come off the heels of the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games where the country posted an improved performance with four gold, nine silver and 16 bronze medals, and before the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh from December 13 to 21.

The Philippines has so far two medals in the YOG—Luis Gabriel Moreno won a gold medal in mixed international team event of archery with China’s Li Jiaman in Nanjing and Christian Tio silver in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding.

Some 2,700 athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees, including a Youth Refugee Olympic Team, are seeing action in 25 competition and 10 engagement sports.

UAAP issues suspension on Paul Du

c/o UAAP Media Team

The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office has suspended National University assistant coach Paul Du from all basketball-related activities (5-on-5 and 3x3 for all divisions) for the remainder of Season 89 following an incident involving University of Santo Tomas assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco.

The suspension stems from an incident during the post-game handshake line after NU’s game against UST on Saturday, October 10, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Du delivered a forceful elbow to Dysangco, causing the UST coach to fall to the floor and require medical attention.

The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the official end of the season. 

The Commissioner's Office also acknowledges that there may be additional sanctions imposed by the UAAP Board.

National University can appeal the decision.

UE Men's Basketball losing streak now at 26 games

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)
12 p.m. – NU vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)
5:30 p.m. – AdU vs UP (Men)

Adamson University bucked a horrid third quarter to hold off University of the East, 71-64, and extend the Red Warriors’ winless run in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Soaring Falcons, who averaged just 68.75 points in their first four outings, exploded for 54 points in the first half, with Matt Erolon, Ray Allen Torres, and Mathew Montebon all reaching double figures.

However, Adamson went cold in the third period, scoring just three points as UE trimmed what was once a 22-point deficit to eight heading into the fourth quarter, 57-49.

Fortunately for the Soaring Falcons, their offense came alive again in the final frame. They immediately scored six points in the first minute and eight seconds to restore a comfortable 63-49 cushion.

“We weren’t really surprised with how UE played in the second half because I always remind my players that UE is also due for a win. They’ve been playing a lot better the last three games… So I’m really challenging our players to do a lot better,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.

“I think we played really really soft in the third… Wala umatras na lang ako. I didn’t coach them in the fourth quarter. Alam naman nila ‘yung dapat gawin and they responded positively,” he added.

The Red Warriors could only get within seven points the rest of the way as they suffered their 26th consecutive defeat dating back to Season 87 in 2024.

Another loss would match the league’s second-longest losing streak of 27 games, set by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons from Seasons 75 to 77 (2012 to 2014).

Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons returned to the win column to improve to a 3-2 record.

Torres led Adamson with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Nigerian big man Precious Jonah added 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block.

Erolon finished with 12 points, all in the first half, while Earl Medina contributed 11 points on a perfect three-of-three shooting clip from beyond the arc.

The Soaring Falcons face a tough schedule to close out the first round, taking on the finalists from the past three seasons. They will face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum before battling the De La Salle Green Archers next Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Despite UE’s continued struggles, sophomore Tope Lagat remained impressive, posting 22 points, four rebounds, two steals, and one block in the loss.

The Red Warriors will close out the first round against UP on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Scores:

AdU 71 — Torres 17, Jonah 14, Erolon 12, Medina 11, Montebon 10, Anabo 6, Cañete 1, Edding 0, Mangaron 0, Pacquiao 0, Tumaneng 0, Demisana 0, Perez 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.

UE 64 — Lagat 22, Robles 12, Jimenez 6, Edoukou 5, Tañedo 4, Vasquez, Cruz-Dumont 4, Dungca 4, Sabroso 2, Javier 2, Carillo 0, Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 24-14, 54-32, 57-49, 71-64.

Back-to-back wins for the Lady Falcons in UAAP Women's Basketball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)
12 p.m. – NU vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)
5:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)

Adamson University cruised past the University of the East, 67-50, to notch its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After opening their campaign with losses to Season 88 finalists University of Santo Tomas and National University, the Lady Falcons bounced back with consecutive victories to improve to 2-2. Meanwhile, the Lady Red Warriors remained winless at 0-3.

“Nakukuha na namin ‘yung flow ng offense namin and we are seeing glimpses on how we want to play already, especially ‘nung last game namin,” Adamson second-year head coach Jed Colonia said. “We just wanted to play with our identity, which is the running game and not too much of a half-court game. I think more of a call for consistency for the team kasi it wasn’t the smoothest game for us kaya, we have to do better.”

Holding a slim 13-10 lead, Adamson closed the opening quarter with a 7-2 run, capped by Trix Burgos’ layup to extend its advantage to eight, 20-12.

The Lady Falcons maintained a double-digit lead for much of the second quarter before UE mounted a 10-2 run, punctuated by Sy Oñate’s triple to cut the deficit to five, 35-30. However, Elaine Etang and Kim Limbago responded with timely baskets to restore Adamson’s eight-point cushion at halftime, 38-30.

Adamson tightened its defense in the third quarter, limiting UE to just 11 points to carry a 12-point advantage into the final frame, 53-41.

The Lady Falcons put the game further out of reach in the fourth quarter, unleashing a 10-2 run capped by Etang’s fastbreak layup to stretch the lead to 16, 65-49, with just over two minutes remaining.

Nadine Muñoz then put the finishing touches on the victory, converting a layup off Limbago’s inbound pass to seal Adamson’s second consecutive win.

Adamson dominated the boards, outrebounding UE, 54-35. The Lady Falcons also made the most of their transition offense, scoring 16 fastbreak points compared to just two for the Lady Red Warriors.

“We just took good shots, even if we weren’t making them kaya we got second chance opportunities off from those. We were also making stops from the defensive end, kaya nakukuha namin ‘yung bola,” Colonia said. “‘Yun naman talaga ang bread and butter namin.”

Etang led the Lady Falcons with a game-high 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Muñoz contributed 12 points and three rebounds.

Nigerian big Kemi Adeshima bounced back from a subpar outing in Adamson's previous game against UP with a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds.

For UE, Rachel Lacayanga was the lone double-digit scorer with 12 points and five rebounds, while Moana Vacalares added nine points.

The Lady Falcons will look to extend their winning streak against De La Salle University on Sunday, October 18, at noon at the Blue Eagle Gym. Meanwhile, UE will aim to snap its winless run against National University on Wednesday, October 14, at noon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

Adamson 67 – Etang 15, Muñoz 12, Adeshima 11, Burgos 8, Apag 6, Limbago 5, Meniano 5, Mazo 3, Medina 2, Bajo 0, Cortez 0, Villaester 0, Carcallas 0, Tano 0.

UE 50 – Lacayanga 12, Vacalares 9, Ronquillo 8, Oñate 6, Dublar 5, Guillim 4, Buscar 3, Lumibao 3, Cruz 0, Sajol 0, Dalguntas 0.

Quarterscores: 20-12, 38-30, 53-41, 67-50.

Ateneo dominates FEU to return to .500 in UAAP Women's Basketball

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Standings
UST 3-0
NU 2-1
FEU 2-1
Ateneo 2-2
DLSU 1-2
UP 1-2
AdU 1-2
UE 0-2

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – NUNS vs UE (16U)
10 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
12 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)

Ateneo de Manila University handed Far Eastern University its first loss of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, scoring an 88-66 victory on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After opening the season with back-to-back defeats, the Blue Eagles have bounced back with two consecutive wins to climb to solo fourth in the standings. The Lady Tamaraws, meanwhile, dropped to a tie for second with National University at 2-1.

“Well, ‘yung main priority ko after ‘yung 0-2 start namin was their confidence. I kept reminding them na start pa lang ng season and we had top teams in front of us in our first two games,” said Ateneo head coach PJ Navarro. “Kailangan na ‘yung mindset namin next couple of games is mas focused kami.”

Ateneo seized control early, outscoring FEU, 25-16, in the opening quarter to establish a nine-point lead.

The Blue Eagles continued to dictate the pace in the second period, stretching their advantage to as many as 12 points as the Lady Tamaraws struggled to find their shooting touch. FEU converted just one of its 15 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half.

Ateneo maintained its momentum after the break, extending its lead to 19 points heading into the final quarter.

FEU's struggles continued in the fourth, with Victoria Pasilang fouling out with less than four minutes remaining as the Blue Eagles built a commanding 85-60 advantage.

“Nagagawa ni Kacey [Dela Rosa] ‘yung part niya. Para mas lumakas kami, siguro gagawin rin namin ‘yung role namin as players para mas lumakas ‘yung team,” said Seng Calago, who recorded a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Dela Rosa led all scorers with 25 points and 16 rebounds, adding six steals and two blocks for another dominant all-around performance. Alyssa Rodriguez chipped in 10 points.

The Blue Eagles held FEU to just one three-pointer on 29 attempts. Despite committing 31 turnovers, Ateneo also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Lady Tamaraws, 54-33.

Ateneo will next face defending champion University of Santo Tomas at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, October 17.

Meanwhile, Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang, Dela Rosa's teammates in the 3x3 tournament of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where Gilas Pilipinas captured the silver medal, led FEU with 19 and 14 points, respectively. Shane Salvani added 11.

The Lady Tamaraws will look to bounce back against the undefeated Growling Tigresses at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, October 14.

The Scores:

Ateneo 88 - Dela Rosa 25, Calago 11, Rodriguez 10, De Luna 9, Oani 9, Makanjuola 8, Cancio 7, H. Lopez 6, Cruza 3, Subejano 0, L. Lopez 0, Udal 0, Hagedorn 0.

FEU 66 - Espanol 19, Pasilang 14, Salvani 11, Patio 6, Lopez 4, Manguiat 4, Dela Torre 2, Kant 2, Melvida 2, Gavaran 2, Agcambot 0.

Quarterscores: 25-16, 45-38, 71-52, 88-66.

UST remains undefeated after blowout of women's basketball rival NU

c/o UAAP Media Team

 

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – NUNS vs UE (16U Boys)
10 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
12 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas made quick work of National University, 90-66, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigresses continued where they left off in the Season 88 Finals, when they reclaimed the crown from the Lady Bulldogs in a three-game series.

UST and NU have faced each other in each of the last three finals series of the women’s basketball tournament.

The reigning champions improved to 3-0 in the standings, handing the Lady Bulldogs their first loss of the season.

“I think in this first test, na-prove naman nila,” said UST assistant coach Jude Anthony Paulite.

“If it’s to speak of the effort of the girls, their effort started five days ago when we started preparing for this game. Today, they gave their almost perfect effort and I think it showed on the scoreboard,” he added.

The Growling Tigresses closed the first half with a 15-4 run to build a 17-point lead, with Oma Onianwa already recording a double-double before the break.

UST maintained its double-digit advantage entering the final period, as its towering frontline limited the Lady Bulldogs’ production in the paint.

The Growling Tigresses continued to pull away in the fourth quarter, stretching their lead to as many as 27 points to seal the victory.

“I’m grateful to my coaches and my teammates because I didn’t do this alone. Past games, I didn’t perform well, and then they reminded me of who I am and what I’m supposed to do,” said Onianwa, who finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.

Five Growling Tigresses scored in double figures, with Karylle Sierba matching Onianwa’s 17-point output while adding four rebounds and two steals.

Agatha Bron chipped in 14 points, while Coi Danganan and Erinn McAlary contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.

UST will look to preserve its unbeaten record when it takes on Far Eastern University on Wednesday, October 14, at the same venue.

Ann Pingol led the Lady Bulldogs with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Marga Villanueva paced the team in scoring with 12 points.

Cielo Pagdulagan added 11 points, while Aloha Betanio contributed 10.

NU, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back when it faces the University of the East next Wednesday.

The Scores:

UST 90 – Onianwa 17, Sierba 17, Bron 14, C. Danganan 13, McAlary 11, Santos 6, Ambos 5, Relliquette 3, Maglupay 2, Dajao 2, Boteros 0, Pescador 0, K. Danganan 0, Wenceslao 0, Tate 0.

NU 66 – Villanueva 12, Pingol 11, Pagdulagan 11, Betanio 10, Cayabyab 6, Lapasaran 5, Rosano 4, Solis 4, Garcia 2, Alba 1, Alterado 0.

Quarterscores: 21-14, 47-30, 69-50, 90-66

FEU-DIliman kickstarts UAAP U16 second round with nail-biter over La Salle-Zobel

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 89 Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Standings
NUNS 7-0
FEU-D 6-2
UE 5-2
DLSZ 5-3
UST 3-4
UPIS 2-5
AdU 1-6
Ateneo 0-7

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – NUNS vs UE (16U)
10 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
12 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)

Far Eastern University-Diliman asserted its dominance over De La Salle Zobel, 82-76, to claim its third straight win in the UAAP Season 89 16-and-under boys' basketball tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, the Baby Tamaraws moved to solo second in the standings with a 6-2 record to open the second round, extending their winning streak to three games — the second-longest active streak in the tournament.

FEU-D had previously defeated DLSZ, 86-76, in the first round.

“Actually, very happy we’re in the number two spot right now. But we need to be better, and we need to increase our defensive stamina kasi mediyo nagco-collapse kami kapag nalalamangan kami,” said FEU-D head coach Muriel Garcia.

“Sabi ko sa mga player ko, keep your composure. Masyado kasing mainit yung Rye Villaruz at Enzo Purugganan. Gradually, na-adjust namin ‘yung defensive scheme namin, pero ready naman kami doon,” he added.

Nicus Calma spearheaded the Baby Tamaraws' early surge, putting the Junior Archers in a 20-15 hole before DLSZ mounted a late second-quarter comeback.

With two minutes left in the first half, Enzo Purugganan took charge of a 12-2 run that erased a 10-point deficit and sent the Junior Archers into the break tied with the Baby Tamaraws.

Both teams continued to trade baskets in a tightly contested third quarter, with FEU-D holding a two-point lead in the closing seconds. Purugganan then drained a triple to swing the lead in La Salle's favor, 61-60, heading into the final frame.

FEU-D refused to back down, however, as Andres Cruz's layup with 1:46 remaining put the Baby Tamaraws back on top, 74-73.

The Baby Tams then closed the game with a decisive 10-0 run, holding the Junior Archers scoreless until Fonzie Mercado knocked down a triple with one second left as FEU-D sealed the 82-76 victory.

“Para sakin, pinractice naman namin ‘yun. Palagi naman sa isip ko. Lagi ko po yun ineensayo para sa laro, pagdating sa shooting, parang basic na lang,” said Calma, who shot 50 percent from the field in the win.

Calma led the Baby Tamaraws with 16 points, while Griffin Barlan posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Bernard Alsola added 11 points, including the dagger three-pointer that put the game away with 42 seconds remaining.

Cruz chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

FEU-Diliman will look to extend its winning streak when it faces Ateneo de Manila University next Thursday, October 15, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Junior Archers, who had previously won three straight games, dropped to fourth place with a 5-3 record.

Villaruz paced La Salle Zobel with a game-high 22 points and six rebounds, while Purugganan contributed 13 points and Mercado added 11.

The Junior Archers will seek their first win of the second round when they face the University of the Philippines Integrated School, also next Thursday.

The Scores:

FEU–D 82 - Calma 16, Barlan 13, Alsola 11, Cruz 10, Ira 8, Mampao 7, Samonte 6, Maghinay 5, Isip 3, Garcia 2, Madrigal 1.

DLSZ 76 - Villaruz 22, E. Purugganan 13, Mercado 11, Dizon 6, Quillo 6, Santiago 6, I. Purugganan 4, Enriquez 4, Paceno 2, Noel 2, Francisco 0.

Quarterscores: 20-15, 41-41, 60-61, 82-76.

UAAP hands one-match suspension to Louie Alas

c/o UAAP Media Team

Louie Alas, head coach of Ateneo de Manila University, has been handed a one-game suspension following the accumulation of three infractions in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Alas will serve his suspension on Saturday, October 10, when the Blue Eagles face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Two of the three infractions occurred during Ateneo’s game against De La Salle University on Wednesday. At the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, following a foul call, Ateneo assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was observed verbally taunting DLSU’s Vhoris Marasigan from the bench. Coach Alas was subsequently assessed a direct technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior, which was later changed to a bench technical foul.

Also at the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, Alas was observed engaging in physical misconduct involving opposing players. He forcefully attempted to pull an opposing player to his feet before making further physical contact by nudging another player with his elbow. Although the incident was not seen by the game officials on the floor, the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the incident and subsequently assessed the physical misconduct as a disqualifying foul under the UAAP House Rules and applicable FIBA regulations.

Alas’ first infraction occurred on September 19, during Ateneo’s game against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. During the game, assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was assessed a technical foul for improper bench decorum, which is charged to Coach Alas.

Ateneo de Manila University can appeal the decision.

Hoop Collective makes successful visit to Manila

Windy. Banned. Hoop Collective. Manila.

The NBA on Disney+ 2026–27 season starts here! Disney+ Philippines brought The Plus Side of Basketball closer to Filipino fans by welcoming ESPN NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon to Manila on October 5 for the Manila stop of The Hoop Collective World Tour. The special event celebrated the start of the new NBA season on Disney+ and gave fans the chance to connect with the voices behind the game through a live podcast recording and special fan experiences.

Hosted by Windhorst, The Hoop Collective podcast features candid conversations, expert analysis, and insider perspectives on the NBA’s biggest stories.

The highlight of the event was a live recording of The Hoop Collective, featuring Philippine basketball icon Jimmy Alapag as special guest. The former Gilas Pilipinas team captain, PBA MVP, and current head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors has also previously served as the player development coach for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Windhorst, MacMahon, and Alapag engaged in an in-depth conversation on Filipinos’ love for basketball, their experiences in the NBA, and the upcoming NBA season on Disney+.

Prior to the live podcast recording, Windhorst led a sports journalism masterclass for student journalists from key universities across the Philippines. The session covered sports reporting, game analysis, and storytelling, offering participants insights into how journalists prepare for games and bring the stories behind the action to audiences.

“When I came to Manila in 2023, I was energized by the passion of Filipino basketball fans and how much they understood the nuances of the game. As soon as I left, I said I wanted to come back and engage with the fans. The fact that Disney+ is where you get the NBA in the Philippines, it’s such a great opportunity for us to come together and promote it,” Windhorst shared. “I’m glad we could bring The Hoop Collective to Manila and be part of that experience as the new NBA season gets underway.”

You can watch the episode below.

The Hoop Collective in Manila marks the start of Disney+ Philippines’ “The Plus Side” campaign, bringing fans closer to the NBA as the new season approaches. The 2026–27 NBA season officially tips off on October 22, when fans in the Philippines can stream the NBA on Disney+.

The October 22 NBA Tip-Off on Disney+ opens with a double-header featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves VS Miami Heat at 7:30 AM, followed by the Golden State Warriors VS Los Angeles Lakers marquee game at 10:00 AM. The hardcourt action continues on October 23 with Cleveland Cavaliers VS Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 AM and Denver Nuggets VS Oklahoma City Thunder at 9:30 AM.

Alongside live games, Disney+ Philippines’ ESPN coverage and analysis include Inside the NBA, NBA Today, and NBA Countdown, providing more ways to follow the players, teams, and stories shaping the season.

The NBA Tip-Off and all the other NBA on Disney+ games will be available on the new Disney+ app. Download the new app on App Store and Play Store starting October 7. For the full NBA on Disney+ game schedule and updates, visit www.disney.ph/NBA and follow Disney+ Philippines on social media.

FEU completes first round sweep in UAAP Women's Football

c/o UAAP Media

UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women's Football Standings
FEU 15 (+12)
DLSU 12 (+6)
ATENEO 9 (+2)
UP 6 (0)
UST 3 (-1)
NU 0 (-19)

Men's Matches Thursday at the UP Football Stadium
2 p.m. – UP vs UST
4:30 p.m. – UE vs DLSU
7 p.m. – AdU vs Ateneo

Far Eastern University has claimed all three points in each of its last 17 matches, and that impressive run continued on a fateful Wednesday night.

Jelani Pabuaya ended a spell of missed chances and broke through for a 1-0 victory over De La Salle University, completing FEU’s sweep of the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The third-year forward finally found the breakthrough with just a minute left in regulation, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score the game-winner and deny the Lady Booters a share of the spoils.

The result kept FEU atop the standings with a perfect 15 points and a plus-12 goal difference, putting the reigning five-peat champions in prime position to secure one of the coveted Final Four spots. The Lady Tamaraws are three points clear of La Salle, which has 12 points after four wins and this defeat.

"I'm very happy and contented with the result of the game kasi it's not just about the quality of the game, but the concentration of the players," said Coach Let Dimzon.

"As I mentioned to them kanina, kailangan lang nila maging, ano... 'yung objective namin ngayon is to be target-locked. And then they were able to do that, and 'yung tasking with individuals. So they were able to hold those important players ng La Salle, and that's why, ayun na, naging maayos 'yung attacking namin and defending."

Pabuaya and UAAP Season 88 Golden Boot winner Judie Arevalo spearheaded the attack for the reigning four-peat champions, particularly in the second half. However, their attempts either went wide or straight into the hands of La Salle goalkeeper Jessica Pido.

Despite completing a first-round sweep, Dimzon wants to see more creativity and determination from her wards when they get opportunities in front of goal in the second round.

"'Yung character nila, attitude nila in front,” said Dimzon. “Kaya as much as possible, like 'yung mga set pieces, mga trouble situations, so lahat ng mga plays in front of the box or inside the box. So I think 'yun lang—'yung kailangan, 'yung eagerness to receive it, eagerness to score.”

“So I think 'yun lang 'yung nagkukulang sa amin, kasi as I mentioned to them, kailangan laging meron kayong striking mentality na every time you have the chances in front or inside the box, you have to take the opportunity na ma-convert nila into scores," the former national team mentor added.

On the other hand, the Lady Booters had several opportunities to breach the Lady Tamaraws’ defense, with their biggest chance coming in added time.

Dani Tanjangco tried to equalize as the clock wound down, but her effort was eventually cleared by the Lady Tamaraws, who held on to secure all three points.

The match began with a minute of silence in memory of the late DLSU and national team goalkeeper Frances Santos Roces, who passed away on September 22.

Strong finish anchors La Salle victory over Ateneo

c/o UAAP Media

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Standings
Team W-L
FEU 3-1
NU 3-2
DLSU 3-2
Ateneo 3-2
AdU 2-2
UP 2-2
UST 2-2
UE 0-5

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
8 a.m. – FEU-D vs DLSZ (16U)
10 a.m. – UST vs NU (Women)
12 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Women)
3:00 p.m. – UST vs NU (Men)
5:30 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Men)

The greatest rivalry in Philippine collegiate sports is all even after 100 games in the UAAP.

De La Salle University delivered a strong finish to take down rival Ateneo de Manila University, 83-76, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory marked the Green Archers’ fifth win in their last six meetings with the Blue Eagles, leveling their head-to-head record in the UAAP at 50-50 after 100 games.

“We really discussed this prior to this game how important it is for everyone and we just stuck to what we prepared for. We did something that we committed to and we said whatever happens, as long as we stuck to what we prepared for, we’ll have no regrets,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, who won his first rivalry matchup against Ateneo interim coach Louie Alas.

The game was as close as it could get through the first three and a half quarters, but it was the Blue Eagles who blinked first.

Jared Bahay’s triple, followed by an and-one play by Grayson Rogers, pulled Ateneo within two, 72-70, with 4:34 remaining. But La Salle quickly pulled away from there.

Rookie Joaquin Tovera twice found a way to draw fouls, resulting in four made free throws, while Jcee Macalalag was also fouled while attempting a three-pointer and sank all three freebies to give the Green Archers a 77-70 lead with 3:42 remaining.

Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez then put the icing on the victory, drilling a three-pointer apiece to give La Salle an 83-72 advantage with 2:14 left as the Green Archers notched their second straight win and improved to 3-2, tied for second with Ateneo and National University.

“It’s embracing the moment because ever since I was a kid, my dad used to play for La Salle and growing up, I used to watch games like this. I used to be that kid in the crowd wanting to play. Now I’m embracing the moment,” said Cortez of playing in the middle of the best rivalry in collegiate sports.

Tovera, an 18-year-old rookie out of Chino Hills, California, led the Green Archers in his first taste of the rivalry with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 21 minutes and 44 seconds on the floor.

Macalalag also finished with 15 points, while Cortez contributed 12 points, five assists, and three rebounds and posted a game-high plus-16 rating in 31 minutes.

La Salle’s next game will be against another rival as it faces the University of the Philippines in a Finals rematch on Sunday at the same Pasay venue.

Shawn Tuano paced the Blue Eagles in the loss with 17 points and five steals, while Bahay added 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

Prized rookie Kieffer Alas, who came from De La Salle Zobel, struggled throughout his first rivalry game, finishing with just five points on 2-of-11 shooting from the field.

Ateneo will look to return to its winning ways on Saturday against a resurgent Far Eastern University side at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.


The Scores:

DLSU 83 — Tovera 15, Macalalag 15, Cortez 12, Dungo 10, Marasigan 6, Amos 6, Pablo 6, Gagate 6, Agunanne 4, Abadam 3, Sardon 0.

ATENEO 76 — Tuano 17, Bahay 14, Rogers 9, Roberts 9, Espinosa 8, Kapihe 6, Cainglet 6, Alas 5, Baruwa 2, Leal 0, Bongo 0, Urbina 0.

Quarterscores: 21-24, 45-43, 63-62, 83-76.

Ateneo snaps early skid, claims win over rival

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Standings
Team W-L
UST 2-0
NU 2-0
FEU 2-0
DLSU 1-2
Ateneo 1-2
UP 1-2
AdU 1-2
UE 0-2

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
8 a.m. – FEU-D vs DLSZ (16U)
10 a.m. – UST vs NU (Women)
12 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. – UST vs NU (Men)
5:30 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Men)


Ateneo de Manila University erased a 14-point deficit against rival De La Salle University, 79-66, to secure its first win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After a difficult start to the season, the Blue Eagles improved to 1-2 in the standings, forcing a four-way tie for fourth place with La Salle, Adamson University, and the University of the Philippines.

The victory also helped Ateneo avoid a 0-3 start in two-time MVP Kacey dela Rosa’s final season with the Blue Eagles.

“Very happy na we got our first win today against La Salle. Yung mindset lang naming lahat is yung sinabi ni Coach PJ [Navarro] na matalo na sa lahat, wag lang sa La Salle,” said Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa once again delivered a massive all-around performance, posting 26 points and 13 rebounds for another double-double while adding five steals, four assists, and two blocks.

Ateneo jumped to an early 12-4 lead, but La Salle quickly responded after the Blue Eagles went to a small-ball lineup.

The Lady Archers then outscored Ateneo, 29-7, to build a 33-19 advantage before the Blue Eagles answered with a 9-0 run to close out the first half.

Ateneo carried the momentum into the third quarter, opening the period with a 13-5 run to reclaim the lead, 41-38, behind a Seng Calago triple and a Dela Rosa layup.

La Salle quickly answered with a 4-0 run after Alyssa Rodriguez knocked down back-to-back triples, cutting Ateneo’s lead to two, 51-49, heading into the final frame.

Kyla Go spearheaded a fierce Lady Archers fightback in the fourth quarter, helping La Salle regain the lead, 60-59, with six minutes remaining.

Rodriguez, however, drilled another three-pointer to put Ateneo back in front before Dela Rosa followed with a pull-up triple to make it 65-60 with less than three minutes to play.

Rodriguez stayed hot from deep and sank another trey before Calago put the finishing touches on the comeback as the Blue Eagles escaped with the victory.

Ateneo had four players score in double figures, a marked improvement from its first two games, where production outside Dela Rosa was limited.

“Everyone knows that they will be guarding Kacey. Yung difference siguro ngayon is yung contributions ng iba. We have three more na nag-double-digit in this game, so malaking factor ‘yon,” said first-year head coach Navarro.

Calago provided steady support with 15 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Rodriguez added 12 points, all coming from beyond the arc, while Sarah Makanjuola chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

BJ Villarin paced the Lady Archers with 21 points, six steals, and five rebounds.

Go contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Marga Dueñas finished with 12 points and five steals.

Ateneo will next face Far Eastern University on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Dela Rosa will go up against her Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 teammates Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang, who were part of the Philippine team that won the silver medal at the Asian Games.

La Salle, meanwhile, will take on the University of the Philippines on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Scores:

Ateneo 79 - Dela Rosa 26, Calago 15, Rodriguez 12, Makanjuola 10, De Luna 7, Oani 6, L. Lopez 3, Cruza 0, H. Lopez 0, Subejano 0, Hagedorn 0.

DLSU 66 - Villarin 21, Go 13, Dueñas 12, Ojo 6, Sunga 4, Bacierto 4, Villapando 3, Anastacio 2, Lubrico 1, A. Dizon 0, S. Dizon 0.

Quarterscores: 14-19, 28-33, 51-49, 79-66.

Adamson boys, UST, FEU-D girls take UAAP HS chess lead

UAAP Season 89 High School Chess Championship

Boys after Round 2
AdU 4.0 [7.0]
FEU-D 4.0 [6.0]
UST 2.0 [5.5]
Southridge 2.0 [2.5]
DLSZ 0.0 [1.5]
Ateneo 0.0 [1.5]

Girls after Round 2
UST 4.0 [6.0]
FEU-D 4.0 [6.0]
AdU 2.0 [4.5]
Ateneo 1.0 [2.5]
DLSZ 1.0 [2.0]
NU 0.0 [3.0]

Games on Sunday
(BGPOP Building, UST)
8:30 a.m. - Southridge vs AdU (boys')
8:30 a.m. - FEU-D vs DLSZ (boys')
8:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST (boys')
8:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs AdU (girls')
8:30 a.m. - NU vs DLSZ (girls')
8:30 a.m. - FEU-D vs UST (girls')

Adamson University seized sole control of the boys’ division, while University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University-Diliman emerged as joint leaders in the girls’ division after Round 2 of the UAAP Season 89 High School Chess Championships on Sunday at the BGPOP Building of UST’s Manila campus.

The Baby Falcons maintained their perfect start in the boys’ division with a 3-1 victory over Ateneo High School, raising their total to four match points and taking the top spot over FEU-Diliman by virtue of the board-point tiebreak.

Debuting duo Bryce Bayani [1.0/1.0] and Charles Candor [1.0/1.0] delivered full points for Adamson against Marc Justinn Fua [1.0/2.0] and Bryan Landicho [1.0/2.0] on Boards 1 and 4, respectively.

Allan Dolfo [1.5/2.0] and Ashton Fratkin [1.5/2.0], meanwhile, split the points with Joachim Manuel [1.0/2.0] and Ronell Jose Co [1.5/2.0], respectively, to seal the victory.

In the girls’ division, FEU-Diliman forged a tie with UST for the top spot with a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over Adamson, led by undefeated Giecel Pacubat [2.0/2.0], who scored a 38-move victory over Samantha Beatrice Mislang [1.0/2.0] on Board 4.

Lj Getubig [1.0/2.0] and Woman National Master Bonjoure Suyamin [2.0/2.0] likewise scored victories over Crystal Sunga [1.0/2.0] and Eilzah Bandejas [0.0/1.0], respectively, on the top two boards.

Khana Ventolero [1.0/2.0] rounded out FEU-Diliman’s near-shutout victory with a draw against Athena Casas [1.5/2.0] on Board 3.

The Baby Tamaraws also delivered a stellar performance in the boys’ division, edging defending champion UST, 2.5-1.5.

National Master Angelo Mallorca [1.0/2.0] scored the decisive victory for FEU-Diliman after defeating King Lanz Pamplona [0.0/1.0] on Board 3, while Joemel Narzabal [0.5/2.0], King Xyan Beltran [1.0/2.0], and Yohan Instrella [0.5/1.0] settled for draws with Jian Carlo Rivera [1.5/2.0], National Master Gabriel Paradero [1.5/2.0], and Prince Alexander De Luna [0.5/1.0], respectively.

Newcomer Southridge School also claimed its first win of the season after escaping De La Salle Zobel, 2.5-1.5, with Carl Nathan Importante [1.0/2.0] defeating Kervin Dominguez [0.0/2.0] on Board 2.

Romeo Reyes III [0.5/2.0], Gael Vito Garcia [0.5/2.0], and Romeo Funtila [0.5/2.0] then split the points with Gian Marco Caguiat [0.5/2.0], Collin Chiong [0.5/2.0], and Bernardo Escalona [0.5/1.0], respectively.

In the other girls’ division match, UST kept its perfect start intact after securing a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory over National University Nazareth School.

Iana Sotaridona [2.0/2.0] remained spotless on Board 1 after defeating Ryien Bahita [1.0/2.0], while Penelope Sanchez [1.5/2.0], Angel Po [0.5/1.0], and Angela Gadut [0.5/1.0] all settled for draws with Mica Clar [0.5/2.0], Zneria Venal [1.0/2.0], and Lara Dalagan [0.5/1.0], respectively.

Archrivals La Salle and Ateneo, meanwhile, settled for a 2-2 draw.

Sophia Orosa [1.0/2.0] and Xophi Holgado [1.0/2.0] accounted for La Salle’s two points with victories over Sapphire Abano [0.0/2.0] and Serenity Pesino [0.0/2.0], respectively, while Mikayla Tusi [1.5/2.0] and Caitlyn Oh [1.0/2.0] delivered the wins for Ateneo against Jeslyn Santos [0.0/2.0] and Alexa Enas [0.0/2.0], respectively.

Round 3 of both divisions is set for Sunday, October 11, at 8:30 a.m. at the same venue.

FEU moves atop UAAP collegiate chess roost

UAAP Collegiate Chess Championships

Men's after Round 2
FEU 3.0 [6.0]
Ateneo 3.0 [5.0]
UST 3.0 [4.5]
DLSU 2.0 [5.5]
AdU 1.0 [2.0]
UP 0.0 [1.0]

Women's after Round 2
FEU 4.0 [6.5]
UP 4.0 [5.5]
DLSU 2.0 [4.0]
UST 2.0 [3.5]
Ateneo 0.0 [2.0]
NU 0.0 [1.5]
AdU 0.0 [1.0]

Women's Games on Thursday at the BGPOP Building, UST
8:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs AdU
8:30 a.m. - UP vs DLSU
8:30 a.m. - NU vs UST 

Far Eastern University seized control of both the men’s and women’s divisions after scoring resounding victories in Round 2 of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Chess Championships on Sunday at the BGPOP Building of the University of Santo Tomas’ Manila campus.

The Tamaraws cruised to a commanding 4-0 sweep of Adamson University, led by International Master Mark Jay Bacojo [1.5/2.0], who capitalized on John Rocel Simon’s [0.5/2.0] 23rd-move inaccuracy to gain a piece advantage before prevailing in a rook-versus-bishop endgame on the top board.

The victory propelled FEU into a three-way tie atop the standings with Ateneo de Manila University and five-time defending champion UST, with all three teams carrying three match points after two rounds. The Tamaraws, however, provisionally occupy first place by virtue of their superior board-point tiebreak.

On Board 2, National Master Oscar Cantela [1.5/2.0] complemented Bacojo’s performance by forcing checkmate on the 47th move against National Master Michael Jan Inigo [1.0/2.0].

FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri [1.0/2.0] also bounced back from his opening-round setback with a victory over Joshua Roque [1.0/2.0] on Board 3, while National Master Jerish John Velarde remained perfect at [2.0/2.0] after defeating Juncin Estrella [0.5/2.0] to complete the sweep.

The Morayta-based squad also continued its dominance in the women’s division with a lopsided 3-1 victory over Adamson, emerging as the opening-week leader with four match points. FEU took the top spot over the University of the Philippines, which also collected four match points after two rounds, by virtue of a superior tiebreak.

Woman International Master Ruelle Canino [2.0/2.0] sustained her perfect start after defeating Elaine Grace Antonio [0.0/1.0] in just 37 moves on Board 1 while playing the Queen’s Gambit Declined with the black pieces.

On Board 3, Woman FIDE Master Franchesca Largo [2.0/2.0] likewise remained spotless following her victory over Janna Alindogan [0.0/1.0], while Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [1.5/2.0] added another full point for FEU after prevailing over Christina Samarita [0.0/1.0] on Board 2.

Lira Placer [1.0/1.0] accounted for Adamson’s lone victory after defeating Samantha Umayan [0.0/1.0] on Board 4.

In the other men’s division matchups, UST handed opening-round leader De La Salle University its first defeat of the season after eking out a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory.

Chester Reyes [1.5/2.0] delivered the decisive full point for the defending champions on Board 2 after defeating National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr. [0.0/1.0].

Lee Roi Palma [1.0/2.0], National Master Jan Clifford Labog [1.5/2.0], and FIDE Master Carl Daluz [0.5/1.0] then settled for draws against National Master Tenshi Biete [1.5/2.0], FIDE Master Jethro Aquino [1.5/2.0], and Rigil Kent Pahamtang [1.5/2.0], respectively, to complete UST’s first victory of the season.

Ateneo likewise climbed into a share of the lead after dispatching UP, 3-1, spearheaded by undefeated Cedric Abris [2.0/2.0], who defeated Cyrus Francisco [0.0/2.0] on Board 2.

Eowyn Jullado [1.0/1.0] and Ritchie Abeleda [1.5/2.0] added victories over Io Calica [0.0/2.0] and Rodernerz Adra [0.0/2.0], respectively, while Daniel Tagufa [1.0/2.0] supplied UP’s lone point after defeating National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [0.0/2.0] on Board 3.

Over in the remaining women’s matches, UP kept pace with FEU after following up its opening-round upset of defending champion National University with another statement victory, stunning UST, 3-1.

Woman National Master Jerlyn San Diego [2.0/2.0] and Maryss Caldoza [2.0/2.0] remained perfect after defeating Precious Day Yecla [0.5/2.0] and Trina Temple [1.0/2.0] on Boards 1 and 4, respectively.

On Board 3, Woman National Master Antonella Racasa [1.5/2.0] defeated Christine Tabungar [0.0/1.0] to complete the Fighting Maroons’ 3-1 victory, while Raiza Mae Locmayaoan [0.0/2.0] succumbed to Woman National Master Daren Dela Cruz [1.5/2.0] on Board 2.

La Salle, meanwhile, barged into the win column in emphatic fashion after dismantling Ateneo, 3.5-0.5.

Lovely Ann Geraldino [1.5/2.0], Juzeia Marielle Agne [1.0/2.0], and Checy Telesforo [1.0/2.0] scored full points for the Taft-based squad against Francine Magpily [0.5/2.0], Alphecca Gonzales [0.0/2.0], and Yzabell Nabor [0.5/2.0] on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Woman National Master Heart Padilla [0.5/2.0], meanwhile, split the point with Ateneo’s Ma. Elayza Villa [1.0/2.0] on the top board.

Round 3 of the women’s division is set for Thursday, October 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the same venue, while Round 3 of the men’s division resumes on Sunday, October 11.

FEU ends long skid against UP in much-anticipated meeting with Pre

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Standings
FEU 3-1
Ateneo 3-1
AdU 2-1
NU 2-2
DLSU 2-2
UP 2-2
UST 2-2
UE 0-5

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
10 a.m. – AdU vs UP (Women)
12 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs NU (Men)
6:00 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Men)

Far Eastern University continued to gain ground in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, catching another big fish in the University of the Philippines with a 90-79 wire-to-wire victory on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The narratives were aplenty, but the biggest of them all was Kirby Mongcopa and the rest of the Tamaraws getting the better of a familiar face in Veejay Pre, who won the Season 87 Rookie of the Year award with FEU in 2024 before transferring to UP.

Mongcopa came up huge with a game-high 24 points to go with nine rebounds and three assists, leading the Tamaraws to their first win over the Fighting Maroons in seven years and snapping a 10-game losing streak. FEU’s last victory over UP came on October 6, 2019, when the Tamaraws prevailed, 82-79, in overtime during Season 82.

Pre, who is Mongcopa’s best friend, led UP with 16 points and five rebounds.

“We’re just so grateful to be at this moment… Going to year three, we knew there were a season of tremendous improvement and guys were just basically trusting one another, playing off one another, and they’re one with the system and playing on a high level,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers.

“Masaya naman ako kapag nakikita ko si Veejay maglaro at lumalaban din. Naglaro kami ng basketball, masaya ako,” added Mongcopa, who has known Pre since their high school days at FEU-Diliman.

The Tamaraws, who were coming off a 90-78 win over defending champion De La Salle University, racked up their third straight victory to join the Ateneo Blue Eagles atop the standings with identical 3-1 records.

It is FEU’s best start since Season 78, when it also opened the campaign with a 3-1 record.

FEU and Ateneo will meet on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws began the game on fire, racing to a 26-13 lead after the opening frame. The Maroons, however, fought back in the second quarter to trim the deficit to just two points at halftime, 43-41.

FEU remained unfazed by UP’s comeback, erupting for 32 points in the third quarter while holding the Maroons to just 14 to build a commanding 75-55 advantage heading into the payoff period.

Jorick Bautista contributed 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the win, while Janrey Pasaol chipped in 15 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

Rookie Cabs Cabonillas also continued his steady play with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Mo Konateh held his own with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons suffered their second straight loss to fall to 2-2, tying the National University Bulldogs, University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, and Green Archers for fourth through seventh place.

Francis Nnoruka backed Pre with 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, but committed six turnovers.

Noy Remogat also had 12 points, but the Maroons had little else going for them offensively.

UP will next face modern rival La Salle on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Scores:

FEU (90) – Mongcopa 24, Bautista 16, Pasaol 15, Cabonilas 11, Konateh 10, Felipe 5, Gish 4, Daa 3, Burgos 2, Nakai 0, Rañeses 0.

UP (79) – Pre 16, Nnoruka 14, Remogat 12, Payosing 8, Franco 6, Bayla 5, Stevens 5, Ogana 5, Briones 4, Poyos 2, Palanca 2, Yñiguez 0, Alter 0, Maga 0.

Quarterscores: 26-13, 43-41, 75-55, 90-79.

La Salle snaps skid with UE dismantling

 

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
10 a.m. – AdU vs UP (Women)
12 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs NU (Men)
6:00 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Men)

De La Salle University took care of business against the University of the East, 112-87, to snap a two-game skid in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Green Archers encountered early trouble this season, losing to the UST Growling Tigers, 75-80, and the FEU Tamaraws, 78-90, after opening their campaign with an 89-87 victory over the NU Bulldogs.

The win leveled the defending champions’ record at 2-2, putting them in a three-way tie for fifth place with NU and UST.

“We just discussed how unpredictable this season will be, especially with the games yesterday. This is just gonna make every game very, very interesting. We came from back-to-back losses; those are big losses for us, but I guess it’s just more on focusing on our own race, making sure we’re just gonna focus on ourselves,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, referring to Ateneo’s stunning win over NU and Adamson’s 28-point rout of UST on Saturday.

After sluggish starts in their games against the Tigers and Tamaraws, the Green Archers finally opened a game on the right foot, immediately establishing a double-digit lead over the Red Warriors after the first quarter, 31-19.

La Salle did not let up in the second period, continuing its offensive onslaught to stretch the lead to 19 at halftime, 61-42.

The 112 points marked the Green Archers’ highest-scoring game since they also put up 112 points in a 112-83 rout of UST on April 19, 2022, back in Season 84.

Mason Amos led six La Salle players in double figures with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, along with five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

Jacob Cortez added 15 points and four assists, while his younger brother, Mikey, chipped in 11 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc.

Nigerian center Henry Agunanne posted 11 points and nine rebounds, while Doy Dungo and Joaquin Tovera scored 10 points apiece in the dominant victory, which saw Robinson utilize all of his available players.

La Salle will next face its storied rival and current league leader, Ateneo de Manila University, on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Meanwhile, UE remained winless through five games, extending its losing streak to 25 games.

Tope Lagat, however, continued his impressive sophomore campaign, erupting for 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting to go with three assists and three steals.

Mo Tañedo added 14 points and nine assists, while Gene Carillo and Kean Dungca contributed 12 points apiece.

UE will continue its search for its elusive first win next Sunday when it faces Adamson University at the same Pasay venue.

The Scores:

DLSU (112) – Amos 19, J. Cortez 15, M. Cortez 11, Agunanne 11, Dungo 10, Tovera 10, Pablo 8, Abadam 8, Gagate 6, Marasigan 4, Macalalag 4, Quines 3, Daep 2, Sharma 1, Sardon 0, Gomez 0.

UE (87) – Lagat 30, Tañedo 14, Carillo 12, Dungca 12, Vazquez 7, Robles 5, Cruz-Dumont 3, Edoukou 2, Santos 2, Sabroso 0, Jimenez 0.

Quarterscores: 31-19, 61-42, 89-65, 112-87

Adamson maintains number on UST

c/o UAAP Media

Adamson University continued to have the number of the University of Santo Tomas, taking a dominant 85-57 win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Soaring Falcons collected their third straight win against the Growling Tigers after sweeping their elimination-round head-to-head meetings last season, taking 69-59 and 97-96 victories.

Adamson joined the party atop the standings at 2-1, alongside four other teams, while pushing UST down to solo sixth at 2-2.

“The players did their part. We gave them a game plan and they followed it accordingly. I think that’s the only way we could have a chance in the UAAP. If we really follow it and defend those other teams because if we don’t do our part defensively, any given day they will all score 90, 100,” said Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela.

Adamson controlled the pace from the get-go, preventing UST from gaining any momentum as its three-point shooting also failed to click throughout the game.

The Growling Tigers shot a woeful 2-for-24 from beyond the arc, while the Soaring Falcons converted 11 of their 33 attempts.

Adamson also wreaked havoc on the defensive end, forcing UST into 20 turnovers that it converted into 21 points.

Mathew Montebon bounced back from a dismal four-point outing against Ateneo de Manila University in their previous game, as the fourth-year guard finished with 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals in 23 minutes and 19 seconds.

Matty Erolon also came through with 17 points, while Earl Medina broke out with 11 points on 3-for-4 shooting from deep.

Nigerian big man Collins Akowe paced the Growling Tigers in the loss with 19 points and 15 rebounds, but he finished with a team-worst minus-25 in his 34 minutes and 38 seconds on the floor.

Amiel Acido added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Mark Llemit was limited to just two points on 1-for-6 shooting after exploding for 22 points in UST’s win over the University of the East last Wednesday.

Adamson will look to continue its winning ways on Wednesday when it faces another top team in National University at 2:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

UST, meanwhile, will also take on NU next Saturday at 3 p.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

AdU 85 — Montebon 21, Erolon 17, Medina 11, Tumaneng 6, Torres 5, Jonah 5, Fransman 4, Anabo 4, Edding 3, Mangaron 3, Demisana 3, Perez 3, Cruz-Dumont 0, Cañete 0, Pacquiao 0.

UST 57 — Akowe 19, Acido 11, Buenaflor 9, Sevilla 5, Jumawan 4, Danting 3, Alao 2, Llemit 2, Esteban 2, Porter 0, Chio 0, Bucsit 0, Manding 0, Cañete 0.

Quarterscores: 19-12, 36-23, 54-39, 85-57.

Arevalo brace preserves FEU win over Ateneo

c/o UAAP Media Team

Matches on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium
2 p.m. – UP vs UST
4:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs NU
7 p.m. – FEU vs DLSU

Just when Ateneo de Manila University appeared poised to snatch its first point against Far Eastern University since UAAP Season 81, Judie Arevalo delivered a clutch two-goal performance to rescue the defending champions.

Arevalo’s brace and Kyaneza Abellar’s opener helped FEU edge Ateneo, 3-2, in a thrilling UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament clash on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Playing in her final year, Arevalo struck the winner in the 82nd minute to spare the Lady Tamaraws from dropping points after they squandered a two-goal cushion against the Blue Eagles.

She had earlier doubled FEU’s lead in the 25th minute, putting the Lady Tamaraws in control after Abellar opened the scoring in the 15th minute.

“Maganda performance, for every game nag-show up,” said coach Let Dimzon. “So kailangan niya lang is maging consistent sa ginagawa, tsaka 'yung understanding niya in front of the goal. She has a lot of chance talaga. Siguro kailangan niya ma-improve 'yung decision-making — makikita sana natin 'yun pagdating ng second round.”

On the other hand, it was a disappointing afternoon for the Blue Eagles.

Down by two goals, Jada Bicierro pulled one back for Ateneo in the 45+3rd minute, tapping the ball into the net after FEU goalkeeper Mikah Ranain failed to properly handle Kassandra Zalamea’s free kick.

Ateneo then thought it had snatched a point when Cassandra Zaldarriaga leveled the contest in the 76th minute with a close-range finish.

But Arevalo had the final say, scoring her second goal of the match six minutes later to restore FEU’s lead.

The Blue Eagles had one last attacking sequence, with Bicierro releasing a promising cross from the right flank, but none of her teammates could get close enough to connect with it.

While relieved to secure the win, Dimzon wanted the Lady Tamaraws to become more clinical in front of goal in their succeeding matches.

“‘Yung adjustment namin, although yes, we are lacking players, ang nagiging problem namin is selection of passes,” said the former national team coach. “Mentally, they have to prepare. Although we worked on polishing the play, but I think ‘di ko siya nakita.”

“So ‘yun ang kailangan namin matutunan, kasi we have a lot of chances to attack. Malaki ‘yung tsansa namin, kaso pagdating namin to [the] attacking third, we lose the chances to convert it to goals.”

Both schools will wrap up the first round on Wednesday at the same venue.

FEU will face perennial rival De La Salle University at 7 p.m., while Ateneo takes on National University at 4:30 p.m.

Ateneo-La Salle headlines UAAP Men's Football tripleheader

 

Matches Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium
2 p.m. — UE vs FEU
4:30 p.m. — AdU vs UST
7 p.m.  — Ateneo vs DLSU

Archrivals Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University headline the opening day of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament today (Sunday) at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The season opener, which was delayed to accommodate the Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team’s campaign in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, sees Ateneo and La Salle cap the first triple-header of the season at 7 p.m.

Before that, University of the East and Season 88 finalist Far Eastern University kick off the tournament at 2 p.m., followed by Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas at 4:30 p.m.

All six teams are chasing University of the Philippines’ crown, with the defending champions beginning their bid for a successful title defense against UST next Thursday at 2 p.m. on their home pitch.

For the Dov Cariño-led Blue Eagles, returning to the Final Four is imperative after missing out on the semifinals in Season 88. Beginning their campaign with a victory over the Green Booters would be an ideal start to that quest.

“Our goal this season is to compete at the highest level and put ourselves in a position to reach the Final Four and, hopefully, compete for the championship,” said Ateneo coach JP Merida. “We know it won’t be easy, so our focus is to take it one game at a time, and continue improving throughout the season.”

“La Salle is a strong team, and we know it’s going to be a challenging first game. But for us, we’re not looking too far ahead. We’re focused on our preparation. We’re excited to start the season and give our best against them.”

La Salle, meanwhile, will look to not only maintain its Final Four presence but also take the next step, bannered by the likes of striker John Gaverza, goalkeeper Edcel Lauron, and defender Bacchus Ekberg.

After ending a two-year wait to return to the semifinals, the Green Booters are aiming to reach the finals for the first time since Season 81 and capture their first championship since Season 60, while remaining grounded throughout the journey.

“Our target is to compete at the highest level and improve from what we achieved last season,” said Green Booters coach Richard Leyble. “We want to take it game by game, stay consistent throughout the season, and put ourselves in a position to compete for the championship. But our main focus is always on the process — developing the players and performing as a team.”

Moreover, a win over Ateneo on opening day could only whet La Salle’s appetite for further success.

“It’s a good challenge for us,” said Leyble. “Ateneo is always a competitive team, so facing them in our first game will immediately test our preparation and mentality. For us, it’s not about looking too far ahead. We will respect our opponent, focus on our game plan, and make sure that we are ready to compete from the first whistle.”

Another team with legitimate championship aspirations is UST, which was eliminated by FEU in the deciding game of their Final Four clash last season.

Led by holdovers such as Chris Valderama, Rodrigo Mariñas, and Jarred Regis, the Golden Booters are looking to turn last year’s heartbreak into motivation as they chase glory in Season 89.

UST last reached the finals in Season 80 and is seeking to reclaim the crown it last won in Season 69. The Golden Booters are eager to make a strong start at the expense of the Soaring Falcons.

“Last season in semis second leg, fell short kami at yung mga players, di rin nila ma-accept kung ano yung kulang namin in semis last season,” said UST coach Marjo Allado. “In pre-season, na-discuss namin yung mga concerns last UAAP kung bakit we fell short in the second leg, and now all players are ready na for Season 89. Focus sa goal na maging consistent at makuha yung championship.”

To annex the Season 89 crown, however, all teams will have to go through defending champion UP, which looks formidable once again.

With holdovers such as Fonzy Gonzalez and Josh Meriño, who were part of the Asian Games squad alongside Ateneo midfielder Cariño, the Fighting Maroons are looking sharp heading into the new season.

Coach Popoy Clarino, who led UP to the Season 86 and 88 championships, is also eager to get started as he looks to add another title to his growing legacy as the Fighting Maroons mentor.

“We have to be ready every game,” said Clarino. “Based on the schedule, recovery and rest is crucial in this stage. We just need to be able to maximize each and every player on the roster. On the coaching side, the staff will need to work diligently on making sure we can prepare the team the best possible way depending on who our opponents are. We cannot wait to start UAAP Season 89!”

Bright future seen for Alas Pilipinas Beach

c/o POC/PSC Media

The future is bright for Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball after collegiate players Khy Progella and Sofiah Pagara brought the Philippines to the Asian Games podium for the first time.

Progella and Pagara turned heartbreak into history, rallying from a semifinal loss to capture a historic Asian Games bronze medal—they fought back to stun China’s Cao Shuting and Dong Jie, 13-21, 23-21, 15-13, on Friday at Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court.

Alas Pilipinas beach volley coach, Brazilian Joao Luciano Kioday, relished the rise of Philippine beach volleyball, with the pair from University of Santo Tomas proving that the program is in good hands after giving the country its best Asian Games finish in beach volleyball since the sport was introduced at the 1994 Hiroshima Games.

“I think results are always a reference, right? So I think we've improved a lot with the beach volleyball that we deserve a spot on the mix, right? I know Philippine is a country very passionate for the indoor volleyball,” Kioday said.

“A lot of things going on about the indoor volleyball that I think they deserve it what they have it. But don't forget beach volleyball also deserve it,” Kioday added.

“This is for the PSC, POC, PNVF. So we do have a lot of possibilities. I always told them when I have a chance,” he said. “The potential we can have it, so I think this is the time we take the flow and use this medal in a good way, not just for one team, but for the whole program.”

Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara congratulated the Pagara and Progella and the whole beach volleyball program under Kioday.

“It’s all about training, training and training and competition .. exposure,” Suzara said.

“The beach volleyball athletes has had plenty of competitions ahead of the games and they reaped the fruits of their hard work here.”

Kioday seeks to ride the momentum from an Asian Games medal breakthrough from Pagara and Progella, following Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons’ gold medal run in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last December.

The Brazilian hopes for more international exposure for Pagara and Progella as full time beach volleyball players.

“We just want the opportunity, right? Opportunity to take Khy and Sofia, to make them a professional beach volleyball, to make them have hope to be in the Olympic one time, to be the best teams in the world because they have a talent, they have potential for this. And that's what I really hope,” he said.

Pagara agreed with Kioday.

“Sa meeting po, sabi po ni Coach Kioday sa amin, parang ang bata pa po namin sa nangyayari po sa amin ngayon,” Pagara said. “Sa amin po, meron ng experience pero hindi po kagaya sa kanila na sobrang haba po talaga ng experience nila.”

“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm po yung nangyari. Hindi po namin expect na ganito yung nangyari pero tinarabaho po namin kung ano po talaga yung deserve namin kasi pinaghirapan po namin. So, sobrang nakaka-tuwa, nakakataba ng puso po,” she added.

Progella and Pagara’s historic run came after a near-perfect campaign.

They swept their three Pool G matches, won their round-of-16 and quarterfinal matches, and then pulled off an upset of top-seeded Japanese pair of Non and Ren Matsumoto to reach the semifinals.

Their only defeat came against Thailand’s Taravadee Naraphonapat and Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee, who ended their gold-medal bid with a 23-21, 21-18 win in Thursday’s semifinal.

“Para sa akin yung natutunan ko dito sa liga na ito ay maging pasensya sa sarili at tiwala talaga na kaya po kasi nandun na po yung skills po,” said Pagara.

Yape named as Team Philippines flag bearer for Asiad Closing Ceremony

Taekwondo gold medalist Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape will bear the flag for a proud Team Philippines during the parade of athletes in Sunday’s closing ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games.

“He’s deserving for that honor,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino on the eve Saturday of the closing ceremony set for 5 p.m. (Manila time) also at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium, where the hosts opened the games two weeks ago.

“It will be a recognition not only for Jeus but also for taekwondo, which finally won its first Asian Games gold medal since 1994, when the sport became a medal event in the games,” Tolentino added.

Yape topped the mixed virtual taekwondo—an open gender event that combines the combat sports with virtual reality and motion-tracking technology—last Friday to highlight a best-ever 1-3-1 gold-silver-bronze haul by the Filipino jins.

He also clinched bronze in men’s individual poomsae.

Also joining the closing ceremony are silver medalist Juliana Mykhail Candelaria, ⁠Tachiana Keizha Mangin and Kurt Barbosa of taekwondo and ⁠Carlo Paalam of boxing.

Paris Olympics boxing bronze medalist Aira Villegas and weightlifting world junior champion Albert Ian de los Santos were the flag bearers during the September 19 opening ceremony.

Philippines secure historic Asiad bronze in beach volleyball

Khy Progella and Sofiah Pagara turned heartbreak into history, rallying from a set down to capture a historic bronze medal in the Asian Games women’s beach volleyball on Thursday at Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court.

The young Alas Pilipinas tandem battled back from a slow start to stun China’s Cao Shuting and Dong Jie, 13-21, 23-21, 15-13, securing the Philippines’ first-ever Asian Games podium finish in beach volleyball.

“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelmed po ‘yung nangyari, trinabaho po namin kung ano ‘yung deserve namin,” said Pagara.

Progella and Pagara refused to fold despite being dominated in the opening set and facing a match point in the second, with the Chinese pair moving ahead, 20-19.

The pair from University of Santo Tomas erased the deficit and forced a deciding set, where the match remained tight until the crucial stretch. Locked at 10-all, Progella and Pagara surged ahead, 14-12, putting themselves within one point of the bronze.

China saved one match point, but the Filipinas remained composed.

Dong then sent an over pass long, triggering a celebration from the Philippine side as Progella and Pagara secured their place in Asian Games history.

“Actually noong first set andoon ‘yung kaba and ‘yung pressure na hindi madala ‘yung sarili but at the end of first set, na-overcome namin ‘yung pressure,” said Progella.

The team, supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, celebrated the country's best finish in the event since beach volleyball was introduced at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima.

The bronze came less than 24 hours after Progella and Pagara saw their gold-medal hopes dashed in the semifinals.

Early exits haunt Filipino judokas at Asiad

c/o POC/PSC Media

Three Filipino judokas fell one after the other on Friday in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games with two-time Olympian Kiyomi Watanabe suffering an early exit after falling to Ekaterina Tokareva of Kazakhstan in the women's -78kgs round of 16  the Aichi International Arena.

Moving up to a heavier division, Watanabe engaged in a tight grip battle early on, with both athletes receiving a Shido penalty at the 0:46 mark.

But the Kazakh capitalized on an opening shortly after, executing a decisive throw to score an Ippon and advance to the quarterfinals.

Chino Sy Tancontian suffered a similar fate, succumbing to Japan’s Ryotaro Masuchi in the men's -100kg round of 16 action.

Going up against a formidable Japanese rival, Sy was put on the defensive early after Masuchi registered a Yuko just 12 seconds into the bout.

The Filipino judoka continued to battle for grip and positioning, but the Japanese athlete secured back-to-back Waza-ari scores to seal the victory via Ippon in 2 minutes and 1 second.

Also out of contention is Eskelen Kedo, who bowed to the UAE’s Magomedomar Magomedomarov via Ippon in the men’s +100kg round of 16, ending the Filipino judokas' bid in the quadrennial games.

Adamson back at .500, Zobel keeps Ateneo winless

UAAP Season 89 High School Boys' Volleyball Standings
FEU-D 4-0
UST 4-0
NUNS 2-2
UE 2-2
AdU 2-2
UPIS 1-3
DLSZ 1-3
Ateneo 0-4

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

Boys
9 a.m. – FEU-D vs. ADU
11 a.m. – DLSZ vs. UST
1 p.m. – UE vs. UPIS
3 p.m. – Ateneo vs. NUNS

Adamson University rediscovered its winning ways, while De La Salle Zobel picked up its first victory of UAAP Season 89 after defeating University of the Philippines Integrated School and Ateneo de Manila University, respectively, on Friday at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

Adamson leaned on a balanced offensive effort to sweep UPIS, 25-15, 25-17, 25-19, moving the Baby Falcons to 2-2 and into a tie for third to fifth place.

The Baby Falcons came out firing in the third set, stringing together eight straight points to take a 10-1 lead, with back-to-back blocks and an attack from Ian Dayao highlighting the run.

UPIS continued to struggle with errors late in the set, as a service error handed Adamson match point.

The Junior Fighting Maroons staved off three match points, but a service error on their fourth attempt gave the Baby Falcons the victory and allowed them to split their back-to-back games. Adamson had lost to University of Santo Tomas in four sets on Thursday.

“Hopefully mahigitan nga namin ‘yung performance last season. Siguro paghahandaan lang din talaga sa araw-araw na ensayo namin tsaka ‘yung composure ng mga bata during game, importante kasi ‘yun mentally tsaka ‘yung body nila kailangan prepared talaga palagi. Siguro sa ensayo rin talaga namin dadaanin,’yun ang pambawi namin,” said Adamson head coach Marvin Ramoso. “And sabi ko nga sa mga bata, hindi lang naman Final Four lang ang target natin dapat eh, kundi final two talaga kagad.”

Dayao led Adamson with 11 points, converting seven attacks and four blocks. Lance Babon added 10 points on nine attacks and an ace, while James Bernabe chipped in nine points in the 57-minute match.

Janjalani Rebualos directed Adamson’s offense with 12 excellent sets, while Johnlee Macam anchored the team’s defense with 10 digs. Macam also contributed five points on four attacks and a block.

Prince Jimenez led UPIS with eight points on five attacks and three blocks, while also collecting six digs.

Meanwhile, the Junior Spikers turned to Brett Urriquia in dispatching Ateneo, 25-14, 25-14, 25-20, to improve to 1-3 and join the Fighting Maroons in sixth place.

DLSZ came out firing in the third set, opening with a 7-1 run as the Junior Spikers capitalized on Ateneo’s miscues and leaned on Urriquia and Kooper Arguelles to keep the pressure on.

The Blue Eagles mounted a late rally behind Dominic Franco Tolentino, cutting the deficit to 22-19.

The Junior Spikers, however, quickly halted the comeback, with Arguelles delivering a block and Renell Sabaldica following with an attack to bring DLSZ to match point. After a net touch briefly kept Ateneo alive, Arguelles put the finishing touch on DLSZ’s victory.

Urriquia led all scorers with 17 points, built on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Arguelles and John Angelo Ronquillo contributed eight points apiece for DLSZ in the 61-minute encounter.

Ranzlee Buco facilitated DLSZ’s offense with 12 excellent sets, while Luis Papa chipped in 10 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions on the defensive end.

Antonio Avendano and Jaden Lee emerged as Ateneo’s top scorers with five points each, as the Blue Eagles remained winless after four matches.