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

UST sends UE to 24th straight UAAP Men's Basketball defeat

c/o UAAP Media Team

University of Santo Tomas weathered University of the East’s late charge, 98-87, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

Ahead by just five points after the opening quarter, UST turned on the jets in the second, outscoring UE, 28-14, to establish a 52-33 lead at halftime.

However, the Red Warriors refused to fold, pulling within six at the 6:06 mark of the fourth quarter after back-to-back layups by Cole Cruz-Dumont made it 83-77.

That, however, would be the closest UE could get.

Landyn Jumawan, Mark Llemit, and Collins Akowe provided the answers for UST as the Growling Tigers kept the Red Warriors at bay down the stretch.

“Marunong din naman mag-basketball ‘yung kalaban eh. 0-3, new coach, pero syempre ‘yung mga players gusto rin magpasikat niyan para sa bago nilang coach. Nung second half nakuha nila ‘yung momentum pero kami at least steady, in the end we got the win. As long as we get that W, one, two, three points, basta manalo ok lang,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.

The Growling Tigers joined a crowded leaderboard alongside the idle National University Bulldogs, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, all at 2-1.

Llemit spearheaded UST with 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, while Amiel Acido backed him with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Akowe, despite going scoreless from the field in the first half, still finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks, while Jumawan added 13 points, including three triples.

Koji Buenaflor, fresh from his Asian Games stint with Gilas 3x3, chipped in eight points in 15 minutes of action.

UST will seek its third straight victory on Saturday when it squares off against Adamson University at 3 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Growling Tigers lost twice to the Falcons last season.

The Red Warriors, meanwhile, slipped to 0-4 this season and absorbed their 24th straight loss dating back to Season 87.

Tope Lagat led UE with 22 points, while Mo Tañedo added 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Cruz-Dumont contributed 12 points, while Gene Carillo stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four steals, and three blocks.

UE will continue its pursuit of its elusive first win on Sunday against De La Salle University at the Philsports Arena.

The Scores:

UST (98) – Llemit 22, Acido 16, Akowe 14, Junawan 13, Buenaflor 8, Chio 6, Cañete 5, Danting 4, Esteban 3, Manding 3, Porter 2, Bucsit 2, Alao 0, J. Sevilla 0.

UE (87) – Lagat 22, Tañedo 16, Cruz-Dumont 12, Carillo 10, Robles 7, Edoukou 4, Santos 4, Jimenez 4, Sabroso 3, Vazquez 3, Mascarinas 2, Dungca 0.

Quarterscores: 24-19, 52-33, 75-61, 98-87.

UST begins title defense with UE blowout

c/o UAAP Media Team

University of Santo Tomas opened its title defense in emphatic fashion, demolishing the University of the East, 103-58, to officially kick off the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Moving on from mainstays Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano, the Growling Tigresses picked up right where they left off after an undefeated elimination-round campaign last season, eventually getting their revenge against National University in the finals to secure their second title in three years.

“Siyempre first game there were jitters noong first half then during the second half, that was the time the girls settled down and ‘yong defense and offense were a much better flow,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said. “It was a team effort, everybody contributed, especially ‘yong mga rookies.”

UST was still feeling its way early, holding just a 16-14 lead midway through the opening quarter before uncorking a 17-6 run to close the frame and build a 33-20 advantage.

The defending champions held the Lady Warriors scoreless for nearly four minutes before Moana Vacalares split her free throws to cut the deficit to 20, 41-21.

The Growling Tigresses’ stifling defense proved too much for UE to handle as UST outscored the Lady Warriors, 27-14, in the third quarter, stretching its lead to as many as 34 points before entering the final frame with a commanding 83-49 cushion.

UST’s lead proved insurmountable as UE could not mount a comeback, with Barby Dajao’s layup allowing the Growling Tigresses to hit the century mark and cruise to victory.

Brig Santos, who is in her final year with UST, finished with 18 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while sophomore Erinn McAlary, filling the huge void left by Pastrana, scored a career-high 14 points to go along with five rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes and 22 seconds of action.

Karylle Sierba and CJ Maglupay rounded out the Tigresses’ balanced offensive attack with 10 points apiece.

For UE, Sy Onate led the team with 16 points, followed by Rachel Lacayanga, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Growling Tigresses dominated the boards, grabbing 62 rebounds, including 30 on the offensive end, while converting those extra possessions into 29 second-chance points.

UST’s bench also took over, outscoring UE’s reserves, 72-33.

The Growling Tigresses will also be without Kayla Williams for the entire Season 89 campaign after the league deemed the former United States NCAA forward ineligible for having already played five years of collegiate basketball in the United States. UST, however, intends to appeal the ruling.

The Growling Tigresses will next face Adamson University on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9:00 a.m., while the Lady Warriors take on De La Salle University on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 10:00 a.m.

The Scores:

UST 103 - Santos 18, McAlary 14, Sierba 10, Maglupay 10, Onianwa 8, K. Danganan 8, Boteros 7, C. Danganan 7, Tate 6, Ambos 5, Pescador 4, Relliquette 2, Dajao 2, Bron 2, Wenceslao 0.

UE 58 - Onate 16, Lacayanga 15, Lumibao 8, Buscar 7, Vacalares 4, Ronquillo 3, Gullim 3, Dalguntas 2, Cruz 0, Ramos 0, Sajol 0.

Quarterscores: 33-20, 56-35, 83-49, 103-58.

Ybanez officially named as UAAP Men's Volleyball MVP

c/o UAAP Media

Josh Ybañez has reclaimed his throne after securing his third Most Valuable Player award in the UAAP Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament, headlining the Season 88 individual honors.

The awarding ceremony was held on Saturday ahead of Game 2 of the UAAP Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Finals between National University and Far Eastern University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where the league officially recognized the season’s top performers.

After missing out on individual awards in Season 87 due to injuries, Ybañez returned in dominant fashion, finishing the season with a league-best 90.192 statistical points (SP) to become the first University of Santo Tomas men’s volleyball player to win three MVP trophies.

“Actually, I really didn’t take it as something na makakapagpapressure sa akin. Instead, this MVP is a motivation for me and a confidence boost to do better and to lead the team kung ano pang magagawa ko next year,” Ybañez said.

“As what I have said sa previous interviews, it is not my goal. Welcome ito sa akin, but that’s not what I’m chasing. Bonus na lang itong binigay ni God. Thank you, God. I’m grateful for this, pero alam niyo naman talaga ang pinaka-goal ko dito sa UAAP.”

The 23-year-old senior once again anchored UST’s offense and defense, ranking fourth in spiking with a 45.19-percent success rate, second in aces at 0.35 per set, and second in reception with a 65.68-percent efficiency clip.

He also finished as the league’s second-leading scorer with 278 points, coming from 244 spikes, 16 blocks, and 18 aces.

Ybañez also confirmed his commitment to play out his final year for UST, strengthening his goal of helping the Golden Spikers end their 16-year title drought.

“Honestly, I think it’s the love I have for my school. It’s my way of giving back to my community, so ayun yung inisip ko. I am so grateful na napunta ako sa UST, so why not laruin ko pa ang pinakahuli kong chance na ipaglaban ang team at maglaro for UST,” he said.

Ybañez also earned his third Best Outside Spiker award in four years after finishing with 329 ranking points (RP), while National University’s Michaelo Buddin earned the other Best Outside Spiker award with 269 RP. Buddin led the league in aces at 0.48 per set and placed eighth in spiking at 41.27 percent.

NU’s Leo Ordiales captured his first Best Opposite Spiker plum after tallying 232 RP, backed by strong all-around numbers—third in spiking (46.12 percent), sixth in blocking (0.67 per set), and seventh in aces (0.21 per set).

De La Salle University’s Issa Ousseini and Far Eastern University’s Lirick Mendoza were named Best Middle Blockers.

Ousseini finished with 196 RP and stood out as the highest-scoring middle blocker with 191 points, ranking eighth overall in scoring. He also placed fifth in blocking (0.71 per set) and fourth in aces (0.24 per set).

Mendoza, meanwhile, emerged as the league’s top shot-blocker with 46 total kill blocks and a 0.87 per set average.

FEU’s Ariel Cacao edged Ateneo de Manila University’s Enzo Gutierrez for the Best Setter award, finishing with 200 RP, just 13 points ahead. Cacao led all setters with a 6.3 average per set and was the only one in the position to land inside the top 50 scorers with 44 points.

On the defensive end, FEU’s Vennie Ceballos secured the Best Libero award after topping the reception charts with a 70.67-percent efficiency rate and ranking second in digs at 2.13 per set.

Adamson University’s Richard Besorio, a 19-year-old rookie from Hua Siong College of Iloilo, was named Rookie of the Year, becoming only the second Soaring Falcon to win the award after Karlle Nikko Ramirez in UAAP Season 75.

The Golden Spikers also received their bronze medals, closing out their Season 88 campaign on the podium.

Golden Tigresses prowl into the next round of the UAAP Women's Volleyball stepladder

c/o UAAP Media

Game on Saturday
 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
3 p.m. - UST vs NU (Women)

University of Santo Tomas proved that past results do not matter in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball stepladder.

The Golden Tigresses dominated elimination round tormentors Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, to advance to the next phase of the stepladder on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was a reversal of fortunes this postseason after Adamson swept UST in the eliminations, 27-25, 25-22, 25-12 in the first round and 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 in the second round.

“Credit sa players namin. Grabe ‘yung effort na ginawa. Actually, hindi naman todo-todo ‘yung training pero mas inaral lang kung ano ‘yung tamang galaw, mas nagkaroon ng communication, saka ‘yung effort na mag-all-out sa game,” said UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos.

UST has now won two do-or-die games this season after eliminating Far Eastern University in the playoff for the last semifinal spot last Saturday, 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16.

The Golden Tigresses now look to make it three in a row when they face second-ranked National University in the next phase of the stepladder on Saturday, 3 p.m., still at the Big Dome, with a Finals ticket at stake. UST is 0-2 against the defending two-time champions in the eliminations.

La Salle is waiting in the wings after completing a 14-0 elimination round sweep. The best-of-three championship series is set on May 6.

“Although hindi namin inexpect na ganito kabilis ‘yung laro, sobrang happy lang talaga dahil tiniyaga talaga ng lahat, especially coaches and teammates ko. Sobrang saya lang, hindi ko pa rin alam kung totoo ba ito dahil kagabi, nakatulog na ko kakadasal kay Lordpaulit-ulit na sana ibigay ito sa amin,” said captain-libero Detdet Pepito, who anchored UST’s defense with 16 excellent digs on 23 attempts and nine excellent receptions, while also adding four excellent sets.

The Golden Tigresses took full control of the match after turning a 12-13 deficit into a 20-12 advantage, as Angge Poyos and Regina Jurado combined for eight straight points en route to a 25-18 second-set win.

A similar scenario unfolded in the third set, with Adamson ahead 13-12 before Jurado and Avril Bron, along with two errors from Lady Falcons’ top scorers Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi, powered a 17-13 UST lead that held until the end for the straight-sets win in 82 minutes.

Poyos led UST with 17 points, eight digs, and seven receptions, while the supporting cast delivered key contributions.

Jurado finished with 13 points and 14 excellent digs on 25 attempts, while Jonna Perdido added 10 points, 10 digs, and seven receptions.

Bron also chipped in seven points, including five in the third set.

Presumptive MVP Nitura was held in check, finishing with 13 points on a 12-of-46 attacking clip, alongside 11 excellent receptions and seven digs.

Mordi was likewise limited to 11 points on 10-of-41 attacks, while Third Tuddao was Adamson’s next highest scorer with just four points.

Adamson, which will retain its core next season, ended the campaign in fourth place in its return to the Final Four after a three-year absence.

UST men's volleyball streak now at 5, set for upcoming FEU duel

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Standings
FEU 6-0
NU 5-1
UST 5-1
Ateneo 2-4
DLSU 2-4
UP 2-4
UE 1-5
AdU 1-5

Games on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Men’s)
11 a.m. - FEU vs UST (Men’s)
1 p.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Women’s)
3 p.m. - FEU vs UST (Women’s)

University of Santo Tomas racked up its fifth straight win by dominating University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, ahead of a key clash in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

The Golden Spikers, who opened the season with a loss, improved their record to 5-1 ahead of their showdown with the undefeated Far Eastern University Tamaraws (6-0) this Saturday at the same Pasay venue.

UST successfully limited UP ace Olayemi Raheem, the league's leading scorer and spiker, to a season-low 12 points.

“We prepared to neutralize Raheem pero mas maganda ‘yung targeting namin this game and fewer errors. Maganda ‘yung mindset ng mga players today,” said head coach Odjie Mamon.

After a tightly contested first set, the Golden Spikers pulled away in the second thanks to a seven-point streak that turned a 10-11 deficit into a 17-11 lead, eventually taking the set 25-18.

In the third set, JJ Macam, Josh Ybañez, and Sherwin Umandal combined forces to close out the match in just 78 minutes.

UST limited its errors to just 17—its lowest of the season—compared to a previous season average of 30.6 errors per match.

Dux Yambao delivered 18 excellent sets as UST ran a balanced attack, led by two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, who contributed 13 points on 12-of-23 spikes and an ace, while also showing his defensive skills with 14-of-18 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

Rookie Joncriz Ayco added an efficient 9-of-14 kills, JJ Macam scored nine points, and Trevor Valera and Sherwin Umandal contributed seven and five points, respectively. UST also benefited from 26 free points due to UP errors.

The Fighting Maroons have now dropped three straight games, sliding to 2-4 in a three-way tie for fourth place with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Spikers.

Zairus Pacure supported Raheem with eight points, while Milven Francisco added seven. Tommy Castrodes struggled, scoring only five points on 5-of-26 attacks.

UP will close the first round against fellow struggling team Adamson University on Sunday, also at the MOA Arena.

Bullpups stun Ateneo to earn share of second in High School Basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium
8 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST (Girls)
10 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Boys)
12 p.m. - AdU vs FEU-D (Boys)
2 p.m. - NUNS vs UST (Boys)
4 p.m. - UPIS vs DLSZ (Boys)

Shaun Lucido caught fire from beyond the arc at the perfect moment as National University Nazareth School exacted revenge against Ateneo de Manila University, 81-78, to climb to a share of second place in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Sunday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Trailing by three at 74-71 with 1:55 left, Lucido — who had missed his first four three-point attempts — sank two consecutive triples that propelled the Bullpups to a 77-74 lead with less than a minute remaining, effectively completing NUNS’ comeback from a lopsided 63-86 first-round loss to the Blue Eagles last January 22.

It was a day of comebacks, as co-captain Charles Esteban and Nigerian center Ola Ajani rallied defending champion University of Santo Tomas in the clutch to stun the University of the East, 60-57, marking a strong return to the win column.

With the results, NUNS and Ateneo are now tied at second in the standings with identical 6-2 records, while UST tied UE for sixth place with 3-5 slates.

Far Eastern University-Diliman, which ended the first round with a 6-1 slate, is currently facing De La Salle-Zobel as of publishing.

“Alam ko struggling siya ‘eh — 0-of-4 sa three-points — sabi ko lang sa kanya, itira niya lang, papasok din yan. Timely baskets, back-to-back three-points, ‘yon yung nagdala sa game namin — yung tapang niya,” Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro said.

 “Shaun is Shaun ‘eh, given na ‘yon. Siya talaga yung primary guy namin sa offense, pero kailangan niya matutunan dumepensa,” he added.

The Blue Eagles had stayed in control earlier as two Ziv Espina layups and a Renzo Gatmaitan triple built a 73-66 lead with 5:55 left. But the Bullpups, behind a Mot Matias layup and a Chad Cartel triple, cut the deficit to 73-71 with 3:46 remaining.

With Noah Banal making only one of his three free throws, Lucido seized the moment, hitting back-to-back triples that gave NUNS a crucial 77-74 lead with 46.7 seconds left.

From there, the Bullpups played the foul game, with Matias, Lucido, and Corian Cabantog each converting a free throw to seal the final score and NUNS’ sixth win in eight games.

Lucido led NUNS with 23 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Malian center Moussa Diakite contributed a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, plus one steal. Cartel added 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Kurl Figueroa chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and one steal. Matias nearly posted a double-double with nine points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two assists.

For Ateneo, Ziv Espina paced the team with 18 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block, while Unri Madrangca scored 18 points on six triples, adding three steals, one block, and one rebound. Banal finished with 15 points and four rebounds, while Nigerian center Jude Eriobu posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds with five blocks.

In the earlier game, the Junior Warriors appeared poised to dominate the Tiger Cubs, as two triples from Jamal Diaz gave UE a nine-point, 54-45 lead with 6:30 remaining. But UST showed its championship poise in the clutch.

Esteban scored four points before Jetlee Melano made back-to-back layups, and team captain Kirk Canete converted a triple to pull the Tiger Cubs within 57-56 with 78 seconds left.

Esteban’s heroics continued, as he made another layup and forced a turnover on UE’s Ethan Aguas with 31.9 seconds left, setting up Ajani for a dagger floater that extended UST’s lead to 60-57 with 9.5 seconds remaining.

The Junior Warriors had a chance to force overtime, closing the game with a 15-3 run, but Aguas and Mhico Abellar missed separate attempts for the game-tying triple. The victory boosted UST’s Final Four hopes.

“Very satisfied ako na nakuha namin yung panalo, and nag-step up si Ola and si Charles, kasi sabi ko nga, missing link talaga sila doon sa veterans ko nung first round. Sa second round, good start pinakita nila kaagad na kailangan nila tumulong at kaya nila tumulong,” Tiger Cubs head coach Manu Iñigo said.

Ajani finished with a dominant double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds, plus one steal and one block, while Esteban had 11 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. Simon Pulongbarit added 10 points, four rebounds, and one steal, and Melano contributed nine points, three steals, two rebounds, and one block. Canete ended with six points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

For UE, Diaz was the only double-digit scorer with 14 points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Abellar finished with eight points, two rebounds, and one assist. Aguas was limited to six points on 2-of-7 shooting with nine rebounds, while Sizco Roquid was held scoreless on four attempts but added eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

The Scores:

First Game:

UST (60) - Ajani 13, Esteban 11, Pulongbarit 10, Melano 9, Canete 6, Canapi 5, Ludovice 3, Bathan 3, Sta. Maria 0, Lapastora 0, Vidanes 0, Candare 0, Bohol 0.

UE (57) - Diaz 14, Abellar 8, Timbol 7, Aguas 6, Pascual 6, Edoukou 5, Lorenzo 5, Braga 4, Bual 2, Roquid 0, Delos Reyes 0, Oraa 0.

Quarterscores: 12-22, 27-31, 43-48, 60-57.

Second Game:

NUNS (81) - Lucido 23, Diakite 16, Cartel 12, Figueroa 10, M. Matias 9, Cabantog 6, Bouzina 3, Juan 2, R. Matias 0, Natinga 0.

Ateneo (78) - Espinas 18, Madrangca 18, Banal 15, Eriobu 13, Leal 9, Gatmaitan 3,Kallos 2, Kaw 0, Lacsamana 0.

Quarterscores: 21-22, 45-47, 62-66, 81-78.

UST smash La Salle-Zobel to open UAAP HS Girls Basketball title defense

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym
8 a.m. - AdU vs UST (Boys)
10 a.m. - FEU-D vs NUNS (Boys)
12 p.m. - Ateneo vs DLSZ (Boys)
2 p.m. - UPIS vs UE (Boys)
4 p.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Girls)

University of Santo Tomas shook off early jitters to fend off De La Salle Zobel, 90-59, and open its UAAP Season 88 Girls’ Basketball Tournament title defense on a strong note Wednesday morning at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Moving on from the graduation of their championship core—Season 87 MVP Barby Dajao, Janna Wenceslao, and Grachelle Boteros—the Junior Growling Tigresses brushed aside a slow start behind a pivotal second-quarter surge led by Riri Perez, Lea Pinuela, and Indonesian center Koukou Talla.

Perez came close to finishing with a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, on top of three steals and two blocks. Talla provided solid support with 15 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting clip, along with 12 rebounds, two assists, and one block.

With the victory, the Junior Growling Tigresses joined modern-day rival National University Nazareth School Lady Bullpups—who cruised past the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles last Sunday—as the early leaders in the four-team field.

“Kulang pa kami sa calmness and stability doon sa first few quarters. We hope na pagdating namin sa mga next games, slowly that the girls can adjust, lalo na yung bago na first-timer na naglalaro,” UST head coach Sen Dysangco said.

“I hope they will grow into it [and] that they mature fast enough para malabas nila yung laro nila,” he added.

After a sluggish opening quarter that saw the Junior Lady Archers lead by as many as five points, UST seized control with a commanding 28-15 second period. Back-to-back layups from Pinuela and an and-one basket by Sandra Abrantes highlighted the surge, as the Tigresses went into halftime with a 45-32 advantage.

From there, the Tigresses stayed firmly in the driver’s seat. Three straight layups by Pinuela, Perez, and Sabel Anacan capped a decisive 22-6 run that ballooned a 13-point lead into a commanding 67-38 cushion.

De La Salle Zobel showed signs of life when Ching Gales converted a layup to trim the deficit to 69-49 with under seven minutes remaining. However, a Perez three-pointer, a Janice Oczon layup, and a Talla free throw quickly restored an insurmountable 77-51 lead with 5:21 left on the clock.

Oczon chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, and one steal, while Pinuela tallied 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Pia Petalcorin added eight points, two assists, two steals, one block, and one rebound, and Abrantes finished with seven points, four rebounds, two blocks, one steal, and one assist.

The Junior Growling Tigresses look to sustain their winning momentum when they clash with the Blue Eagles this Sunday, January 18, at 4 p.m. at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

For De La Salle Zobel, Ima Navarro led the way with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Gales contributed 13 points, four rebounds, one steal, and one block in the losing effort.

The Junior Lady Archers will aim for their first win when they face the Lady Bullpups next Thursday, January 22, at the same time and venue.

The Scores:

UST (90) - Perez 19, Talla 15, Oczon 13, Pinuela 10, Petalcorin 8, Abrantes 7, Townes 5, Labay 4, Mateo 4, Arciaga 3, Anacan 2, Kallos 0, Capinpin 0, Hew 0.

DLSZ (59) - Navarro 15, Gales 13, Martinez 9, Padigos 8, Ogario 6, Dulay 4, Gerona 3, Winar 1, Contreras 0, Roque 0, Sanares 0.

Quarterscores: 17-17, 45-32, 67-46, 90-59.

Tiger Sands complete elimination round sweep

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Beach Volleyball Standings

Women
*UST 7-0
*NU 6-1
*FEU 5-2
*UP 4-3
Ateneo 3-4
AdU 2-5
DLSU 1-6
UE 0-7

Men
*UST 7-0
*NU 6-1
*FEU 4-3
*Ateneo 4-3
AdU 3-4
UP 2-5
DLSU 2-5
UE 0-7
*Final Four

Games Sunday at the Sands SM By The Bay
8 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men Final Four)
8:45 a.m. – NU vs FEU (Men Final Four)
9 a.m. – UST vs UP (Women Final Four)
9:45 a.m. – NU vs FEU (Women Final Four)
2 p.m. – Men Battle for 3rd
2:45 p.m. – Women Battle for 3rd
3:30 p.m. – Men Final
4:15 p.m. – Women Final

University of Santo Tomas completed a seven-match sweep of the eliminations as Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella went all out in the second set to overpower National University’s Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa, 21-14, 21-6, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women's Beach Volleyball Tournament Saturday at Sands SM By The Bay.

Determined to reclaim the throne they surrendered to the Lady Bulldogs last year, the Tiger Sands broke away from a 3-3 deadlock in the second set, scoring 18 of the match’s final 21 points to cap a perfect eliminations campaign.

UST now gears up for a Final Four clash against No. 4 University of the Philippines, making a comeback after missing out last season.

In the do-or-die matchup for the last Final Four spot, Jum Gayo and Kryssia Ornos outlasted Ateneo’s Gry Matibag and Liz Lomocso, 21-9, 9-21, 15-8.

Far Eastern University, which will face NU in the other Final Four pairing, closed the eliminations on a high note as Melody Pons and Lovely Lopez dispatched Adamson University’s Shai Nitura and Lana Barrera, 21-12, 21-16.

The Lady Bulldogs finished with a 6-1 record, while the Lady Tamaraws claimed third place at 5-2. The Fighting Maroons bounced back from consecutive losses on Friday to secure fourth at 4-3.

The women’s semifinals are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. today, with the third-place match at 2:45 p.m. and the one-match championship at 4:15 p.m.

The Blue Eagles, after losing two straight, missed out on a Final Four berth, ending fifth at 3-4, while the Lady Falcons, last season’s fourth placers, slipped to sixth at 2-5.

De La Salle’s Mica Buis and Sophia Sindayen saved the best for last by defeating University of the East’s Van Bangayan and Smile Iquio, 21-12, 21-13, in another women’s match.

UST’s seven-peat bid in the men’s division remained alive as former MVPs Alche Gupiteo and Dom Gabito edged NU’s Alex Iraya and Sky Gemarino, 18-21, 21-17, 15-12, to complete a 7-0 sweep of the eliminations.

FEU claimed the third Final Four berth after Christian Salboro and Reynan Postorioso toppled UP’s Angelo Lipata and John Torotoro, 17-21, 21-11, 15-10.

Ateneo clinched the last spot as Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio dominated UE’s Allen Buensalida and Julian Celestial, 21-13, 21-9. Both Ateneo and FEU finished with 4-3 records, but the Tamaraws defeated the Blue Eagles in their elimination round matchup last November 22, 17-21, 21-16, 15-13.

In the men’s Final Four, Ateneo will face UST at 8:45 a.m., while FEU meets NU at 8 a.m. The men’s one-match championship is set for 3:30 p.m., with the third-place match at 2 p.m.

Adamson, missing the Final Four despite showing fight, saw Iverson Tan and Willie Hitones edge De La Salle’s Von Marata and Andre Espejo, 16-21, 21-18, 21-19, to finish fifth at 3-4. The Fighting Maroons and the Green Spikers ended up tied at 2-5 in sixth and seventh places, respectively.

UE’s women’s and men’s teams went winless in seven matches.

UST locks in postseason berth

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Standings
**NU 11-3
**UP 10-4
*UST 8-5
DLSU 7-6
FEU 6-7
Ateneo 6-7
AdU 6-8
UE 0-14
**Twice-to-beat
*Final Four

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
7:30 a.m. – Ateneo vs DLSZ (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UST vs FEU-D (16U)
11:30 a.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)
1:30 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)
4:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Men)
7 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Women)

University of Santo Tomas stormed into the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Final Four with a massive second-half surge, toppling top-seeded National University, 80-71, on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Growling Tigers improved to 8-5, securing solo third place. This marks their second consecutive semifinals appearance after missing out for the past three seasons.

UST can clinch the third seed and set up a Final Four clash with twice-to-beat University of the Philippines if it defeats Far Eastern University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We got that nice record in the first round then second round three losses agad. Four straight losses. Marami nang nagdududa, papasok ba itong UST na ito? Ano ba itong UST na ito joke lang ba ito? No. We’re here. Parating na kami,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio, attending the postgame press conference for the first time this season.

With the Bulldogs leading 53-48 late in the third quarter, the Growling Tigers flipped the game on its head with an 18-2 run, taking a 66-55 lead with 8:24 remaining.

Gelo Crisostomo scored seven points in that decisive stretch, while Mark Llemit, Amiel Acido, and Kyle Paranada also contributed in the semifinals-clinching rally.

“Masasabi kong pinaghirapan talaga namin ito sa practice, si Coach Pido sobrang focused sa amin kasi ‘yun nga ‘yung NU sila ang number one eh. Kami, gusto namin manalo kasi sila ang number one gigil kami. Importante itong laro na ito sa amin kasi kapag manalo kami, pasok kami sa Final Four,” said Llemit, who finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.

Crisostomo led a balanced Growling Tigers offense with 13 points and five rebounds, while Collins Akowe added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Acido shot 3-of-4 from deep to tally 11 points, and Paranada contributed nine points, five assists, and four rebounds.

Nic Cabañero added nine points and six boards, while Forthsky Padrigao and Koji Buenaflor chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.

For NU, the loss did little to affect their top-seed status, though it snapped their five-game winning streak and concluded the elimination round with an 11-3 record.

Omar John led the Bulldogs with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while seldom-used Nath Tulabut contributed 10 points.

Head coach Jeff Napa spread minutes across 14 players in the defeat.

The Scores:

UST (80) - Crisostomo 13, Akowe 11, Llemit 11, Acido 11, Paranada 9, Cabañero 9, Padrigao 8, Buenaflor 7, Estacio 1, Laure 0, Calum 0.

NU (71) - John 12, Tulabut 10, Garcia 9, Manansala 8, Palacielo 6, Padrones 6, Dela Cruz 4, Parks 3, Figueroa 3, Jumamoy 3, Enriquez 3, Solomon 0, Reyes 0.

Quarterscores: 16-19, 37-38, 58-53, 80-71.

UST retains HS table tennis golden double for a third straight season

c/o UAAP

University of Santo Tomas completed a third straight golden double after sweeping the UAAP Season 88 High School Table Tennis tournaments, capping the Finals with decisive victories over Adamson University in the boys’ division and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in the girls’, Friday at the Amoranto Sports Arena in Diliman, Quezon City.

Beyond securing a second double crown for this season’s host—following the triumphs of the swimming teams—the Junior Tiger Paddlers and Junior Lady Paddlers extended their unbeaten streaks to two consecutive seasons in this tournament backed by Huaching Foundation and Topcoms Marketing Inc.

Laurence Cuaycong and Anton Andre Bayona continued their dominant season form, guiding UST to a three-peat with an 11-6, 11-8, 11-4 masterclass over Seph Estrada and Rodel Millana in the lone doubles match of the second Finals tie.

“From the start of the season naman, mataas ‘yung confidence ko sa team talaga. And talagang pinakita naman ng team natin na deserved nilang mag-champion. At the start of the season, everybody stayed grounded talaga; so talagang ang goal lang is to get the championship, to defend the crown,” said long-time head coach Jackson Que.

On the girls’ side, fourth-year stalwart Padmae Vivas led the charge with an 11-8, 11-6, 11-8 sweep of this year’s Rookie of the Year Sari Velasco, and later secured a fourth straight title with a 3-1 win in the second Finals match.

“Actually, we’re not expecting to win this year. We’re expecting University of the East to come up as the champions. The girls did their best they could; so, ayon, we made it,” said long-time head coach Lorinda Wadjad.

Emmanuel Paculba Jr. and Joshua Bañas gave the Junior Tiger Paddlers an early 2-0 cushion with contrasting victories against Sharif Abirin and Justine Rama. Season MVP Paculba swept Abirin, 11-8, 12-10, 11-1, while Rookie of the Year Bañas went the distance in a five-set thriller, 7-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, over Rama. Cuaycong and Bayona then closed out the tie against the same opponents they had beaten in the past two seasons.

“Wala naman akong sikreto kundi we trust God, ‘yun talaga. Binigay talaga ni Lord ‘tong lahat,” said Que, who also coaches the men’s team.

“Sa lahat ng papasok, be proud na makapasok sila sa one of the strongest teams sa UAAP and sa isa sa best schools in the Philippines. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto kong ma-feel nila and ma-realize nila.”

In the girls’ division, Season 86 and 87 MVP J-An Sanchez dominated Andrea Reblora, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8, but Kimberly Amandy responded with a marathon 7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 12-14, 11-6 win over Kaira Agreda. Julianne Bandojo and Louise Manay eventually restored order with a 10-12, 11-8, 11-6, 12-14, 11-8 victory over Kimberly Odelmo and Chloe Silva, paving the way for Vivas’ finishing flourish.

“Ako kasi from the start, I’m not letting go of the title kasi nasa ‘kin ‘yung dalawa[ng malakas]. If UE thinks they could grab the gold, let them think that way, basta kami, we will fight. And as we keep on practicing, walang mawawala sa ‘tin kung ipaglalaban natin ‘yung sa pakiramdam natin ay atin naman,” Wadjad added.

UST had earlier cruised to 3-0 wins in the Finals openers in both divisions, setting the stage for this historic sweep. Cuaycong and Bayona clinched the first tie with an 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 win over Jnash Chavez and Miguel Rafael Reyes in doubles. Datahan and Bañas gave the team a 2-0 lead with victories over Millana (5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5) and Gerald Noche (11-5, 11-7, 11-5), respectively.

The Junior Lady Paddlers’ doubles pair also secured the overall win, as Bandojo and Manay defeated Kathlyn Embile and Odelmo, 11-3, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3. Agreda, named MVP, and Vivas swept the first contest, beating Silva (11-5, 11-7, 11-4) and Amandy (13-11, 11-9, 11-7).

UST retains men's collegiate table tennis title, extends winning streak to sixty

c/o UAAP

University of Santo Tomas cemented its reign as king of UAAP Collegiate Table Tennis for the sixth consecutive season, completing a second straight season sweep with a 2-0 Finals series victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Friday at the Amoranto Sports Arena in Diliman, Quezon City.

The Tiger Paddlers not only secured this second collegiate championship of the season for UST—following the fifth straight men’s chess title—but did so in style, marking a milestone 60th consecutive win dating back to the second round of Season 82 (2019) and achieving a second straight season sweep.

“Overwhelming talaga; and I’m really proud to be a UST graduate and a UST coach,” said long-time head coach Jackson Que.

“Sinabi ko lang naman sa kanila na we always start from scratch, kasi zero-zero na ulit, kaya we need to be humble and very vigilant sa lahat ‘yung mga tira namin at sa mga strategy namin. Kailangang ma-execute lahat.”

The 59th and 60th victories were far from easy, as the Tiger Paddlers faced perhaps their toughest test of the season against the Blue Eagles, with both Finals ties coming down to a deciding singles match in the tournament, which is backed by Huaching Foundation and Topcoms Marketing Inc.

Fortunately, Abraham Paul Antivo and Gerald Aguilar rose to the occasion, delivering championship-clinching wins to prevent Ateneo from extending the series after taking a 2-1 lead in the second tie.

Antivo, eventually named MVP, overcame Wrency Abad in five thrilling sets, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9, to level the contest. Rookie of the Year Aguilar then rebounded from a first-frame setback to secure the tie and the title, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8.

Ateneo had earlier threatened to halt UST’s remarkable run, as Mahendra Cabrido and the rookie duo of CJ Yamson and Gabriel Docto claimed wins against Josh Manlapaz and the pair of Prince Garcia and Ruiz Arc Marcelino.

Last year’s MVP Eljay Tormis put UST ahead with a 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 win over Zherdel Fresco, but the Blue Eagles answered with two straight victories. Cabrido defeated Manlapaz, 11-8, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10, before Docto and Yamson swept Garcia and Marcelino, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8.

Just like a wounded tiger, however, this year’s top individual student-athletes, Antivo and Aguilar, struck back to claim the victory.

The first tie followed a similar storyline, with Aguilar and Antivo again taking the spotlight for UST after trailing 1-2. Aguilar leveled the contest with an 11-5, 12-10, 5-11, 11-7 victory over Andree Garcia, while Antivo propelled the Tiger Paddlers to the brink of the title with an 11-5, 11-6, 12-10 win over Andrew Uy.

Manlapaz drew first blood, 13-11, 11-6, 11-9 over Yamson, but Cabrido stunned Tormis in the next match, 11-5, 5-11, 11-7, 11-8, to tie the contest.

Abad and Fresco then gave the Blue Eagles the lead with an 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5 win over Marcelino and Al J. Sanchez, but that proved to be their last victory, as Aguilar and Antivo claimed the next two rubbers to secure the championship.

For Que, this six-peat was the result of collective effort and the team’s unique culture, which he takes immense pride in.

“Isa ‘yan sa mga strength namin kasi ‘yung team namin is very cohesive; talagang buong-buo, and we trust each other. Parang kaming isang buong pamilya talaga; ‘yan siguro ‘yung sikreto namin,” said the multititled mentor.

UAAP hands one-game suspension to Haydee Ong

The UAAP announced on Thursday that Haydee Ong, the head coach of the University of Santo Tomas Women's Basketball Team, will observe a one-game suspension this weekend.

Said announcement comes as follows: 

HAYDEE ONG (University of Santo Tomas) has been handed a one-game suspension following the accumulation of two technical fouls during UST’s UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Basketball games.

Coach Ong will serve her suspension on Saturday, November 15, when the Growling Tigresses face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The suspension stems from the second technical foul she incurred during UST’s game against the University of the East. At the 1:39 mark of the first quarter, Coach Ong was assessed a technical foul for continuous complaining about a call. Despite prior warning and explanation provided by the referees, she continued to express dissent toward the officiating decision. While coaches are permitted to seek clarification on calls, such communication must be conducted in a respectful and composed manner. In this instance, Coach Ong’s conduct exceeded acceptable boundaries, warranting a technical foul in accordance with FIBA Rule 36.2.

It must be noted that Coach Ong was assessed her first technical foul in the elimination round last October 12, 2025 during UST's game against Ateneo. A stern letter reminding her of her unsportsmanlike conduct toward the technical table was likewise issued.

University of Santo Tomas may file a motion for reconsideration regarding the suspension.

The Growling Tigresses will be without their champion mentor when they face off against the Blue Eagles at 7pm at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, the final game of a six-match playdate.

UST claims early HS Athletics lead with Ceballos hammer throw record

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School Athletics Standings

Boys'
UST-112
ADU-106
NUNS-54
UE-49
DLSZ-15
Ateneo-12

Girls
UST-87
UE-73
ADU-72
Ateneo-0
DLSZ-0

University of Santo Tomas asserted early dominance in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions after an explosive opening day of the UAAP Season 88 High School Athletics Championships at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.

Leading the charge for the defending champions, Jayvee Ceballos shattered a decade-old record in the boys’ hammer throw, unleashing a 43.22-meter heave to eclipse the 41.18-meter mark set by Ateneo’s Matt Crespo on July 12, 2012, at the Philsports Track and Football Stadium. Ateneo’s Alessandro Nieto took silver with 40.55 meters, while UST’s Tayshaun Donasco completed the podium at 40.35 meters.

“Medyo nabigla din po ako considering medyo nilo-look up ko na yung record training pa lang namin,” shared Ceballos.

“Tinitingnan ko lang po ‘yung record — bonus na lang po talaga ‘yung medal para sa akin. So happy po ako, thank you sa mga coaches and teammates sa pagtulong sa akin makuha ito,” he added.

Fellow Junior Golden Trackster Charles Alcantara bagged silver in the boys’ triple jump with a leap of 14.14 meters. However, Efosa John Paul Aguinaldo of National University Nazareth School soared to gold with a record-breaking 14.78 meters, surpassing the 14.15-meter mark set by Kent Jardin in Season 85 on November 30, 2022. UE’s Erzl Borres secured his second straight bronze with a 14.00-meter effort.

UST’s golden momentum continued as Novie Jay Masangcap ruled the boys’ 800-meter run, clocking 1:53.20. UE’s Anthony Cariaso came agonizingly close, missing gold by just five milliseconds at 1:53.25, while NUNS’ Jerico Cadag claimed bronze with 1:54.20.

In the girls’ division of this tournament that is also supported by CF Moto and Masiv Sports, Liana Ascan led the Junior Growling Tigresses’ charge, capturing gold in the 800 meters with a time of 2:19.34. Adamson University’s Erika Joy Dorado followed for silver at 2:26.61, while UST’s Shaina Igcas took bronze in 2:30.84.

The Lady Tracksters’ dominance carried over to the sprints as Franceine Jhobie Rosario broke UE’s Jeralyn Rodriguez’s record in the girls’ 100 meters, clocking 11.97 seconds to surpass the 12.28-second mark set in Season 87. Adamson’s Juvelle Matnog settled for silver with 12.25 seconds, while UST’s Lhynette Libranda finished third in 12.48 seconds.

After Day 1, the Junior Tiger Tracksters led the standings with 112 points, closely trailed by the Baby Falcons with 106, while the Bullpups sat in third with 54.

In the girls’ division, the Junior Lady Tracksters of UST also seized the early lead with 87 points, followed by defending champion the Junior Lady Warriors with 73, and the Lady Baby Falcons just a point behind with 72.

Adamson’s Kent Ebron joined the record-breaking spree in the boys’ pole vault, clearing 4.15 meters to erase the 3.89-meter mark set by John Rey Magallanes on February 10, 2012, in Pasig. Fellow Soaring Falcon John Philip Villar took silver with 3.55 meters, while UST’s Gray Cloud Garcia settled for bronze, also with 3.55 meters.

Record-smashing performances extended to the race walk events as Adamson’s Abdul Saud and Palarong Pambansa standout Sep Blesse Placido dominated their respective divisions — the boys’ 5000 meters and girls’ 2000 meters.

Saud, last season’s silver medalist, struck gold this time with a meet-record 23:55.35, obliterating UST’s Gabriel Cervantes’ previous mark of 25:59.95 set on November 22, 2023. NUNS’ Ken Odato (24:34.82) and Rain Mabelin (24:49.27) also surpassed the old record.

Placido, fresh from her junior title at the National Open, rewrote her own UAAP record in the girls’ 2000-meter race walk with 10:03.19, improving on her 10:15.39 mark from last season. UE’s Meljane Dano was close behind at 10:03.77, while Adamson’s Iralea Dumaguin took bronze with 10:14.68 — both also faster than Placido’s Season 87 record.

Breaking UE’s two-year reign in the girls’ shot put, Adamson’s Niorwyne Edrada clinched gold with a throw of 10.43 meters. UE’s Alyannah Ico followed with 10.27 meters, while UST’s Yih Fernandez bagged bronze with 9.50 meters.

In the boys’ 100 meters, Asian Youth Games gold medalist Pi Wangkay Durden delivered De La Salle Zobel’s first gold of the tournament, clocking 10.88 seconds. UST’s Prince Cuyos finished just a fraction behind — also at 10.88 seconds — to take silver, while Elreb Taduran claimed bronze with 10.92 seconds.

UST dominates Day 1 with Collegiate Athletics lead

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Athletics Standings

Men’s
UST - 63
Ateneo - 52
FEU - 43
UP - 36
NU - 19
AdU - 11
DLSU - 8
UE - 0

Women’s
UST - 80
FEU - 61.5
UE - 49.75
UP - 38
AdU - 26
DLSU - 18.75
NU - 10
Ateneo - 6

CAPAS, TARLAC — University of Santo Tomas opened its campaign in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Athletics Championships in rousing fashion, leading both the men’s and women’s divisions at the end of Day 1, Thursday, at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.

Azeneth Serat took center stage as she powered the España-based squad to the top of the women’s standings with 80 points in the tournament backed by Masiv Sports and CF Moto.

The 21-year-old Bukidnon native successfully defended her title in the women’s 5,000-meter racewalk, shattering a 16-year-old record previously held by Far Eastern University’s Florida Gonzales.

Serat set a new mark of 26:04.63, eclipsing Gonzales’ 27:27.73, and finishing well ahead of University of the Philippines’ Juliana Talaro (27:44.80) and Julianne Bayola (29:21.33).

“Actually, ang ine-aim ko po eh ‘yung national record. Kaya lang, parang hindi ko po kakayanin; eh sobrang init po. So, ang sabi ko po, ito na lang po munang UAAP record and susubukan ko,” said the third-year Fitness and Sports Management major.

“Happy ako, hindi lang para sa sarili ko kungdi para sa buong team at sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa ‘kin,” Serat added, expressing pride in both her performance and UST’s strong start.

Season 85 MVP Lianne Pama delivered UST’s second gold medal after ruling the women’s 100 meters with a blistering 11.82 seconds — the only sub-12 performance in the final. FEU’s Shane Ponce (12.00) and Annie Mercurio (12.24) settled for silver and bronze, respectively.

On the men’s side, Hokkett Delos Santos maintained his dominance in the pole vault, claiming another gold with a best leap of 4.50 meters to lead a UST sweep of the podium. Mejen Sumbongan (4.30) and Sean Harry Narag (4.20) completed the 1-2-3 finish, pushing the Tiger Tracksters to the top of the standings with 63 points, ahead of Ateneo de Manila’s 52 points.

Defending women’s champion FEU remained close behind with 49.95 points, thanks to Susan Ramadan, who finally captured gold in the 800 meters with 2:12.25. The fourth-year senior edged UP rookie Mary Jane Pagayon (2:14.10) and Adamson University’s Ligan Duhaylungsod (2:14.46) in a tight race.

University of the East stayed within striking distance at third with 49.75 points, highlighted by Mariel Abuan’s golden leap of 1.68 meters in the high jump. UST’s Jeanne Arnibal (1.60) and National University’s Evangeline Caminong (1.55) rounded out the podium.

Meanwhile, event host Ateneo de Manila University made waves in the men’s division after a surprising second-place standing, led by Hussein Loraña, who made his much-awaited UAAP debut count.

The Season 86 High School Boys’ MVP broke the 800-meter record in the morning heats with 1:51.76, then sealed the gold in the final with 1:52.71.

FEU’s Gervickson Labora spoiled the Loraña twins’ bid for a 1-2 finish, clocking 1:53.47 to bag silver ahead of Hassan Loraña’s 1:53.89, last season’s Rookie of the Year.

Ateneo’s Russel Ricaforte added to their medal haul after dominating the shot put with a massive 14.92-meter throw. Teammate Airex Gabriel took silver (13.53), while UP’s Jake Jacob Saga snatched bronze (13.28) on his final attempt.

Labora’s silver helped FEU climb to third in the men’s standings with 43 points after the opening day.

Adamson University’s Keisha Tolin wrapped up the day’s winners after ruling the women’s hammer throw with a top mark of 42.86 meters. The 23-year-old returnee edged out UE’s young standouts Jazen Araño (42.69) and Emma Bolden (42.25).

Second half explosion anchors UST women triumph over NU

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Standings
UST 2-0
Ateneo 2-0
UP 2-0
NU 1-1
FEU 1-1
AdU 0-2
UE 0-2
DLSU 0-2

Games on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
7:30 a.m. – UE vs UST (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UPIS vs NUNS (16U)
11:30 a.m.  – UE vs UST (Women)
1:30 p.m. – UE vs UST (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs NU (Men)
7 p.m. – UP vs NU (Women)

In a rematch of the last two seasons’ Finals series, University of Santo Tomas broke down National University, 76-62, for its second win in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at their home gym - the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Growling Tigresses got some vengeance on the Lady Bulldogs, who won the title last year after a hard-fought three-game finale, to improve to 2-0 alongside the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Last season, NU swept the elimination round and was one win away from sweeping the tournament, but UST denied them with a Game 2 victory in the Finals.

This time, the Growling Tigresses made sure that there would be no elims sweep for the Lady Bulldogs, giving them their first loss in just their second game.

“Sinabi ko naman sa girls na tonight, it’s all about how the Tigresses play their basketball. It’s all about their effort. We’re missing our shots, and what is important tonight is we adjusted and played our defense to clamp on those scorers of NU,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong as they finally won a game in the elimination round against NU after going 0-14 since Season 79.

After trailing by as big as 16 in the first half, the Lady Bulldogs were able to cut the deficit to four in the third, 38-42, but the Growling Tigresses responded with an 18-4 blast to close the quarter with a 60-42 lead. Amby Ambos punched in all of her 10 points in that run.

UST took advantage of an NU side that has no foreign student-athlete in the paint and Angel Surada’s foul trouble early in the game to grab a massive 78-37 discrepancy in the rebounding department.

The Growling Tigresses hauled in 43 offensive rebounds, even more than the entire rebounding output for the Lady Bulldogs, which also led to 40 more field goal attempts, 98-58.

Nigerian center Oma Onianwa led UST anew with 18 points and 15 rebounds - 12 coming from the offensive end, while Kent Pastrana produced 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block.

Eka Soriano added 11 points and four rebounds, while CJ Maglupay and Coi Danganan grabbed 11 rebounds each while scoring six and five points, respectively.

UST looks to make it 3-0 when it faces the University of the East on Saturday, still at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Xyza Pring paced the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the free throw line while Ann Pingol chipped in 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Surada, a Mythical Team member last season, was held to just three points and two rebounds.

NU will aim for a bounce back on Saturday as well against an undefeated UP side.

The Scores:

UST (76) - Onianwa 18, Pastrana 12, Soriano 11, Ambos 10, Maglupay 6, E. Danganan 5, Pineda 5, Santos 3, Pescador 3, Sierba 2, Bron 1, Relliquette 0, McAlary 0.

NU (62) - Pring 12, Pingol 10, Villanueva 9, Cayabyab 8, Solis 8, Betanio 6, Alterado 4, Surada 3, S. Medina 2, D. Medina 0, Garcia 0, Canindo 0.

Quarterscores: 20-13, 40-30, 60-42, 76-62.

UST sets pace in UAAP high school chess, NU-Nazareth stuns FEU-Diliman

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School Chess Standings

Boys' Match Pts (Board Pts)
UST 2.0 (3.0)
ADU 2.0 (3.0)
Ateneo 0.0 (1.0)
DLSZ 0.0 (1.0)
FEU-D 0.0 (0.0)

Girls' Match Pts (Board Pts)
UST 2.0 (4.0)
ADU 2.0 (3.0)
NUNS 2.0 (2.5)
FEU-D 0.0 (1.5)
Ateneo 0.0 (1.0)
DLSZ 0.0 (0.0)

Ties on Saturday at Adamson gym

Boys

1 p.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (boys)
1 p.m. - FEU vs UST (boys)

Girls

1 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo (girls)
1 p.m. - FEU vs UST (girls)
1 p.m. - ADU vs NU (girls)

University of Santo Tomas emerged as the opening day leaders after a near-sweep of its matches in the boys’ and girls’ divisions to kick off the UAAP Season 88 High School Chess Championship at the Adamson Gym on Sunday.

The Junior Lady Woodpushers opened the season in perfect form, scoring a 4-0 shutout over De La Salle Zobel, while the Junior Male Woodpushers posted a 3-1 walloping of Ateneo High School.

UST began its campaign in the boys’ division with Jude Dableo (1/1) and Sumer Oncita (1/1) earning decisive wins over Jose Pio Caro (0/1) and Aidan Mejia (0/1), as Arena International Master Gabriel Paradero won by default on the top board.

In the girls’ division, Trina Temple (1/1), Angel Po (1/1), Kara Meneses (1/1), and Mecel Gadut (1/1) all scored victories against Francesca Icay (0/1), Jeslyn Santos (0/1), Alexa Enas (0/1), and Xephi Holgado (0/1), respectively, underscoring UST’s dominance.

However, National University Nazareth School stole the spotlight with a thrilling 2.5-1.5 upset of defending champion Far Eastern University, highlighted by Sara Dalagan’s (1/1) 53-move conquest of national team mainstay and Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino (0/1) on the top board.

Dalagan’s tactical brilliance was on full display as she punished Canino’s 14th-move blunder with a knight sacrifice, gaining a pawn and creating an unstoppable passed pawn en route to a convincing victory.

"Record po samin yung manalo ngayon kasi team effort eh. Ang tagal naming nagprepare para dito. Yung mga bata ang laking oras yung sinakripisyo eh," said NUNS coach and FIDE Master Roel Abelgas of his team’s monumental victory over FEU, who completed an undefeated championship run last season.

"FEU kasi sila yung strongest team ngayon diyan sa high school eh. Ngayon, natalo namin sila. Tingin ko may chance na kami (na magchampion) pero depende pa rin kung ano yung mangyayari sa mga next matches," he added.

Arena FIDE Master Ryien Bahita (1/1) also notched a win over Franiel Magpily (0/1), while Kayla Aurelio (0.5/1) split the point with FEU’s Ericka Oridizo (0.5/1) to close out NU’s triumphant debut.

Adamson University also registered a win with a 3-1 victory over the debuting Ateneo High School girls’ team. The Sampaloc-based squad repeated the feat in the boys’ division, with Jonver Acosta (1/1), Jian Bautista (1/1), and Ashton Karl Fatkin (1/1) securing victories over De La Salle Zobel’s Santino Edralin (0/1), Gian Caguiat (0/1), and Kevin Dominguez (0/1), respectively.

National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla (1/1) was the lone bright spot for La Salle, bagging a win against Bryce Bayani (0/1).

Defending boys’ division champion FEU sat out with a bye on opening day.

UST dominates opening day in collegiate chess

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Chess Standings

Men's Match Pts (Board Pts)
UST 2.0 (3.0)
UP 2.0 (3.0)
Ateneo 1.0 (2.0)
FEU 1.0 (2.0)
AdU 0.0 (1.0)
DLSU 0.0 (1.0)

Women's Match Pts (Board Pts)
UST 4.0 (6.5)
FEU 2.0 (5.0)
DLSU 2.0 (2.5)
NU 2.0 (2.5)
UP 1.0 (3.0)
AdU 1.0 (2.5)
Ateneo 0.0 (2.0)

Women's ties at 1pm on Wednesday at the Adamson gym

UP vs NU
Ateneo vs ADU
DLSU vs UST

University of Santo Tomas wasted no time making its presence felt, racking up wins to seize the top spot in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the conclusion of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Chess Tournament’s opening day on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.

The Lady Woodpushers opened the floodgates with a 3-1 stunner over the University of the Philippines before following it up with a statement 3.5-0.5 victory against Ateneo de Manila University.

Standing at four match points after two rounds, UST is firmly ahead of the pack, much to the delight of coach Ronald Dableo.

"Malaking bagay yung panalo dahil kumbaga, hindi kami mapressure na naghahabulan kami sa standings. Malaking factor yan na panalo. Isustain na lang," he said.

Precious Yecla (Board 1) and Josemier Panol (Board 2) set the tone for UST by earning two wins apiece, while Jamaica Lagio contributed 1.5 points with a win and a draw.

In the men’s division, FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (1/1) showcased his brilliance by outmaneuvering Angele Biete (0/1) after 89 moves in a rook endgame, leading UST to a 3-1 thrashing of La Salle.

"Maingat eh. Very slim yung chance niya manalo dun sa laro pero ginrind lang niya nang ginrind yung posisyon eh," said Dableo of Daluz’s debut performance.

UP also had a strong opening day, dominating Adamson University 3-1 to keep pace with UST atop the standings. Io Calica (Board 2) and Roderenz Adra (Board 4), combined with rookie Daniel Tagufa (Board 3), racked up three wins against Joshua Roque, Dustin Herrero, and Robert Palisoc, respectively.

Far Eastern University and Ateneo closed out the men’s division opening day with a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, National University made a dramatic debut, pulling off a 2.5-1.5 upset win over defending champion FEU in the women’s division.

Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (1/1) and Jersey Marticio (1/1) toppled Woman FIDE Master Mhage Sebastian (1/2) and Samantha Umayan (1/2) on Boards 1 and 2, respectively. Jelaine Adriano (0.5/1) then held Francesca Largo (1.5/2) to a draw to secure NU’s victory.

Despite the loss, FEU remained in second place thanks to a 3.5-0.5 walloping of Adamson in an earlier round.

La Salle also broke into the win column earlier in the day, defeating Ateneo 2.5-1.5. Rinoa Sadey (1/1) and Heart Padilla (1/1) secured victories over Ma. Elayza Villa (0.5/2) and Alphecca Gonzales (0/2) on Boards 2 and 3, respectively.

UP, which lost earlier to UST, salvaged a 2-2 draw with Adamson in the other women’s match to earn its first match point of the tournament.

UST stymies La Salle in football opener

c/o UAAP

University of Santo Tomas rode a strong first-half performance to secure a 2-1 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.

Golden Booters midfielder CJ Songalia opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a long-range strike that beat Green Booters goalkeeper Edcel James Lauron. Kyler Escobar then doubled UST’s lead in the 42nd minute with a composed finish.

Songalia nearly claimed a brace for UST, but his second-half penalty—awarded for a handball in the La Salle box—was denied by Lauron, who was part of the Junior Golden Booters squad that won the Season 87 boys’ high school crown.

After starting the season on a winning note, UST will next face Adamson University this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Vermosa.

“Commendable first half from the boys. They played really well,” said Golden Booters coach Marjo Allado, who enjoyed double wins in both the women’s and men’s divisions this opening weekend.

“But in the second half, it was scary because we collapsed a bit. After that penalty save by La Salle, they got the momentum to score an equalizer. Overall, though, the players’ fighting spirit was there.”

Meanwhile, La Salle proved to be a tough challenge under new coach Richard Leyble.

Rookie forward James Sibla appeared to score the Green Booters’ equalizer after Songalia’s opener, but the effort was ruled offside.

Sophomore striker Lukie Aguilar was a constant threat, hitting the crossbar early in the second half and later forcing an own goal by Sam Alegre in the 83rd minute—though it came too late to change the outcome.

La Salle will look to rebound against the University of the East this Thursday at 2 p.m., also at Vermosa.

Akowe anchors dominant UST performance in opener

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Standings
UST 1-0
NU 1-0
Ateneo 1-0
DLSU 1-0
AdU 0-1
FEU 0-1
UE 0-1
UP 0-1

Games on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
7:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (16U)
9:30 a.m. - UP vs AdU (16U)
12 p.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Women)
2 p.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Men)
4 p.m. - UP vs AdU (Men)
7 p.m. - UP vs AdU (Women)

Collins Akowe immediately showed he is ready for the collegiate level in his first game of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The 6-foot-10 Nigerian center made a debut to remember, leading University of Santo Tomas to a perfect start in their Season 88 hosting by crushing defending champion University of the Philippines, 87-67, on Sunday at their home court, the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Akowe, a product of National University Nazareth School who was a former High School Boys' MVP, finished with 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field and 11-of-21 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing 17 rebounds — one of the best debuts in UAAP history.

“Dahil maganda ‘yung opening ceremony na idinaos ng UST so gusto rin namin ng magandang performance para sa fans at sa mga naniniwala sa amin. Gusto lang namin magperform nang maayos para sa community,” said UST deputy Japs Cuan, as head coach Pido Jarencio lost his voice and could not attend the postgame interview.

(“Since UST put on a great opening ceremony, we also wanted to give a good performance for the fans and everyone who believes in us. We just wanted to play well for the community,")

The Growling Tigers’ blowout was historic, snapping a nine-game losing streak to the Fighting Maroons, who have claimed two of the last four titles.

UST’s last win over UP before today came on November 13, 2019, a 68-65 victory where Renzo Subido’s three-pointer sent the Tigers to the Season 82 Finals.

This time, UST left no room for a UP comeback. After the third quarter, UST led 70-57, then limited the Fighting Maroons to just three points in the first eight minutes of the final period while scoring 15 themselves, building an insurmountable 85-60 lead.

The Growling Tigers set the tone early, racing out of the gates with a 31-19 first quarter in their home gym.

“It’s a great feeling, just taking advantage of our crowd. I just do what I got to do. I’m representing UST, I have to take it upon myself, they’re taking care of me so this is the way I can pay them back,” said Akowe, who was the UAAP’s first-ever Best Foreign Student-Athlete in Season 87 with NUNS.

Kyle Paranada, starting in place of suspended guard Forthsky Padrigao, also delivered a big performance with 18 points, 14 of which came in the first half, helping UST lead 57-43 at the break.

Nic Cabañero contributed nine points, while Gelo Crisostomo added eight points, seven rebounds, four steals, three assists, and a block.

UST will aim to slay another big fish on Saturday when it faces De La Salle University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons had a rough start to their title defense. Mark Belmonte led UP with 12 points, while Harold Alarcon added 11, though he needed 16 shots to do so.

UP will look to bounce back against Adamson University on Wednesday, again at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Scores:

UST 87 – Akowe 29, Paranada 18, Cabañero 9, Crisostomo 8, Buenaflor 7, Calum 4, Llemit 3, Estacio 3, Acido 2, Laure 2, Sevilla 2, Bangco 0, Manding 0, Bucsit 0, Danting 0.

UP 67 – Belmonte 12, Alarcon 11, Bayla 11, Bayla 6, Torres 6, Nnoruka 5, Fortea 4, Felicilda 4, Abadiano 2, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Briones 2, Stevens 0.

Quarterscores: 31-19, 57-43, 70-57, 87-67.