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.

NUNS, UST earn blowout wins in their U16 openers

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament
UST 1-0
NUNS 1-0
ADU 1-0
FEU-D 1-0
DLSZ 0-1
Ateneo 0-1
UE 0-1
UPIS 0-1

Games Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena
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)
4:30 p.m. - UP vs AdU (Men)
7 p.m. - UP vs AdU (Women)

REDEMPTION-seeking squads University of Santo Tomas and National University Nazareth School scored emphatic wins to close the opening weekend of the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament, Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena in Manila.

Malian foreign-student athlete Moussa Diakite and the Bullpups ran roughshod over defending champions University of the East Junior Warriors, 86-64, while Season 87 runner-ups Tiger Cubs cruised past the University of the Philippine Integrated School Fighting Maroons, 114-61.

Diakite, a 6-foot-10 center from N’Gabacoro Droit in Mali, shone in his UAAP debut for NUNS, posting a near triple-double of 15 points, nine blocks, and eight rebounds against a UE side that retained only team captain Goodluck Okebata from last season’s championship squad.

With nine blocks, eight of which came in the first half, Diakite nearly tied the UAAP high school basketball record for most blocks in a single game—a feat held by former Ateneo stalwart Kai Sotto, who recorded 11 blocks against NUNS in Season 80 on February 23, 2018.

“Redemption time, ‘yon lang yung sinabi ko sa mga bata na hindi ko sinabi sa kanila na Final Four lang, we’re looking for the championship kasi pag sinabi mo na Final Four lang, baka after Final Four, hindi na sila umangat,” said new 16-under Bullpups head coach Leo Pujante, who took over from Kevin de Castro -- who will now focus on their 19-and-under team.

UE rallied in the second quarter from an early 21-point deficit, trimming the gap to 42-30, but holdover David Sabareza sparked a late 7-2 run to give NUNS a 49-32 advantage at halftime.

That momentum carried into the third quarter, where a thunderous dunk from Diakite and an Ian Manalo reverse layup capped a 19-5 blitz that extended NUNS’ lead to 68-37—a cushion that sealed the outcome, spoiling the debut of UE head coach Matthew Sia, who replaced Andrew Estrella in the off-season.

Laguna native Mark Arzola finished with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, six rebounds, two steals, and one assist, while Sabareza added 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Nick Pena contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists, with Clark Khobuntin and Dwayne Enriquez chipping in six points each.

Meanwhile, the Tiger Cubs overcame the promotion of Dustin Bathan and Jhon Canapi to the 19-and-under ranks, as well as the unexpected departure of Andwele Cabanero to Letran, who had powered UST’s runner-up finish in Season 87.

UST leaned on a balanced attack led by Miguel Jubilado and newcomer Rowie Cabañero—cousin of Andwele and Growling Tiger Nic—to join FEU-D, Adamson, and NUNS as early leaders in the eight-team field.

Jubilado poured in 24 points alongside seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while Rowie Cabañero tallied 18 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, and three steals on a plus-46 rating in his debut, showing he could carry on the UST Cabañero legacy.

“Sa totoo lang, hindi ako satisfied sa pinakita nila dahil doon sa preparations namin, hindi ko nakita yung gusto ko na mangyari. Pero dahil nanalo kami, thankful pa rin kami doon sa resulta ng game,” said Tiger Cubs head coach Noli Mejos.

UPIS, winless in Season 87, jumped to an early 7-1 lead in the first quarter, but UST responded with a 30-5 run powered by Cabañero, Castro, and Jubilado to build a 31-12 advantage.

The Tiger Cubs maintained a 19-point lead at halftime before opening the third quarter with a 17-4 surge, highlighted by three consecutive triples from Cabañero, pushing UPIS into a 72-39 hole they could not escape.

UST’s 53-point margin was the largest in UAAP junior high school basketball since the Bullpups’ 70-point, 110-40 triumph over the Baby Falcons in Season 86 on March 10, 2024.

CJ Tabbuga impressed in his debut with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, three rebounds, and one block, while Gab Castro celebrated his birthday with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, seven rebounds, and two steals.

UE’s Okebata, who averaged 6.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in Season 87, led his team with 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, while James Mesa contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Dave Regala went perfect from the field, finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Chan Guinto added 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

For UPIS, holdovers Kean Poquiz and John Addatu carried the fight, with Poquiz scoring 22 points alongside three steals, two rebounds, and two assists, and Addatu nearly posting a double-double with 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

The Scores:

First Game

UST (114) – Jubilado 24, Tabbuga 19, Cabañero 18, Castro 13, Regala 12, Guinto 10, Retaga 8, Datu 4, Dueñas 4, Anggot 2, Bathan 0, Villacarlos 0, Demata 0.

UPIS (61) – Poquiz 22, Addatu 18, Mangguerra 8, Labao 6, Lugatiman 6, Bautista 1, Rosete 0, Okebata 0, Baldovido 0, Sebastian 0, Floirendo 0.

Quarterscores: 31-12, 50-31, 81-48, 114-61.

Second Game

NUNS (86) – Diakite 15, Arzola 14, Sabareza 11, Peña 10, Khobuntin 6, Enriquez 6, Geron 5, Romero 4, Tria 3, Lalong-isip 3, Manalo 2, Gatumbato 2, Liwanag 2, Sinda 2, Yanga 1, Santiago 0.

UE (64) – Okebata 15, Mesa 10, Delos Santos 8, Perdigon 6, Aguilar 6, Felizmenia 4, Mallabo 4, Mercado 4, Pontipedra 3, Roxas 2, Ancheta 2.

Quarterscores: 28-15, 49-32, 70-41, 86-64

UST tops UP on Gerona screamer

c/o UAAP

Men's Matches Sunday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub

2 p.m. — Ateneo vs AdU
4:30 p.m. — UP vs UE
7 p.m. — UST vs DLSU

Rica Gerona’s brilliant strike propelled University of Santo Tomas to a narrow 1-0 victory over the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.

Gerona, a third-year midfielder, unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box that sailed past Fighting Maroons goalkeeper Julian Arrojado in the 67th minute, giving the Lady Booters a decisive lead.

It was a moment of true ingenuity, as both teams had struggled to create clear-cut chances from open play.

“It was a screamer,” said Allado. “The attempt was quite far. It was around 40 yards away. We didn’t expect that because she plays more in the number six position, making her far away from the goal.

“But awhile ago, when she had the opportunity to shoot from her range, she took it with confidence, which is how this happened," he furthered.

During the first half, Isalyn Tundag and Chelsea Maguad had tentative efforts for the Fighting Maroons, with one shot going over the bar and the other comfortably saved by Lady Booters goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia.

In the second half, UP won a series of free kicks, but UST managed each situation with composure. Every ball launched into the Lady Booters’ box was met with timely clearances, frustrating the Fighting Maroons’ attacks.

UST substitute Samantha Asilo had a late chance to seal the win with a free kick, but Garcia was equal to the task, keeping her attempt out. UP’s final opportunity came through Erisa Rivas, who shot straight at Garcia as time ran out.

UST will face fellow opening-day winner De La Salle University this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Vermosa.

“It’s another challenge,” said Allado. “They are the finalist from last season. We drew them in the second round last year. After this game, we’ll have a video review and we’ll prepare for La Salle.

“Of course, the coaches and the girls want to beat La Salle if it is possible for positioning in the first round," he added.

Meanwhile, UP will aim to bounce back against defending champion Far Eastern University on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.

UST keeps men's volleyball season alive, forces playoff

c/o UAAP Media Team

Gboy de Vega stepped up when it mattered most, helping University of Santo Tomas extend its season and deny National University its entry to the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Finals.

The third-seeded Golden Spikers shocked the top-ranked Bulldogs, 27-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-18, on Saturday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, forcing a rubber match in their Final Four showdown.

With their backs against the wall, UST leaned on the clutch play of Josh Ybañez and the timely resurgence of De Vega, who tallied 14 points in his first start in 66 days. His last start came during a first-round win over De La Salle University on February 26.

The win not only kept UST’s title hopes alive but also snapped a four-game losing streak to NU, which dated back to the Season 86 Finals.

It was the first time the Golden Spikers defeated the Bulldogs this season. UST previously fell in four sets in both elimination round meetings—dropping their first-round encounter, 25-16, 20-25, 21-25, 27-29, and their second-round match last Sunday, 22-25, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25.

The two teams will face off one last time for a coveted Finals berth on Wednesday at the same Cubao venue.

“Thankful ako kasi binigyan ulit ako ng chance ni coach na makabalik at maprove yung mga doubters ko na hindi ako makakatulong sa team. I am very happy lang na nakapagcontribute ako sa maraming ways and I hope na mas mapagtrabahuan ko pa and mas mapagensayuhan ko pa para sa next game, mas okay ipakita ko and ng team namin,” De Vega said. 

(“I’m thankful because coach gave me another chance to come back and prove my doubters wrong—those who thought I couldn’t help the team. I’m just really happy that I was able to contribute in many ways, and I hope to work even harder and train even more so that in the next game, I can show an even better performance, both personally and as a team.”)

After committing eight errors while allowing five blocks to NU in a third set defeat, UST made sure to come out swinging in the fourth frame. 

An off-the-block hit from Ybañez, a Dux Yambao ace, and a combination play from Season 85 Best Opposite Hitter Jayrack de la Noche allowed the Golden Spikers to send the Bulldogs to an early 14-8 fourth set deficit. 

That proved to be all the breathing room that UST needed as an Ybañez block on Jade Disquitado and a crosscourt hit, along with a De la Noche down-the-line attack, allowed the Golden Spikers to earn their first win over the Bulldogs since completing a Season 86 elimination round sweep last March 24, 2024.

“We live [to fight] another day, pero I don’t want to be desperately playing like that. Parang desperate yung volleyball namin kanina, maganda sana if the players followed the game plan. We could have done better, but I am happy we get to play on Wednesday again,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said.

(“We live to fight another day, but I don’t want us to play in such a desperate manner. Our volleyball earlier felt desperate—it would’ve been better if the players had stuck to the game plan. We could have performed better, but I’m still happy that we get another chance to play on Wednesday.”)

Reigning two-time MVP Ybañez powered the Golden Spikers with a dominant 22-point outing built on 19 attacks to go along with 16 excellent receptions.

De la Noche provided ample support with 15 points on 13 attacks with nine excellent digs, while Trevor Valera also served as a bright spot with nine points on four attacks and four blocks with seven excellent receptions.

Yambao orchestrated UST’s offense anew with 20 excellent sets, while starting libero Edriel Alabar finished with 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs. 

On the other hand, the Bulldogs now face a do-or-die scenario in order to keep their ‘five-peat’ bid alive and in the process, extend their Finals streak to 10 seasons dating back to Season 75. 

Team captain Leo Aringo paced NU in the loss with 18 points on 16 attacks with 13 excellent receptions, while Leo Ordiales added 15 points. 

Disquitado tallied 14 points and nine excellent receptions, while Peng Taguibolos contributed 10 points on seven blocks and three attacks.

Five straight wins for UST in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Men)
11 a.m. – FEU vs DLSU (Men)
1 p.m. – Ateneo vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – FEU vs DLSU (Women)

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas showed no signs of rust, cruising to its fifth straight win with a 25-17, 25-20, 25-11 sweep of also-ran University of the Philippines, to take solo third in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Coming off a nine-day Holy Week break, two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybanez and rookie standout JJ Macam still flaunted their dominant form against the already-eliminated Fighting Maroons, steering the Golden Spikers to their fifth consecutive win for a 9-4 card to zone in on the third seed.

However, a De La Salle University win over Adamson University -- which is ongoing as of publishing -- the third seed in the Final Four will boil down to both La Salle and UST’s final elimination matches over the weekend.

And the road would not get any easier for both the Green Spikers and the Golden Spikers as La Salle will face top-seeded Far Eastern University on Saturday, while UST will gear up for a Season 86 Finals rematch against second-seeded National University on Sunday -- both at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“Yung preparation namin towards the last games of this tournament, medyo intense talaga. Sa ginawa ng mga bata ngayon, natuwa kaming mga coaches kasi yung mga pinagpractice namin during the Holy Week break, nakita naman namin, even though hindi pa siya ganoon kakinis,  pero may improvement pa kami na mapapakita,” UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape said.

("Our preparation leading up to the last games of this tournament was quite intense. With what the players showed today, we coaches were really pleased because the things we practiced during the Holy Week break, we were able to see them in action—even though it's not yet very polished, there's still improvement that we can show.")

Eager to finish the Fighting Maroons, the Golden Spikers raced to a commanding 10-point, 13-3 lead to open the third frame, fueled by a crosscourt hit by Jayrack de la Noche and two straight aces from  Macam.

That surge proved to be all the breathing room that UST needed as two consecutive aces from De la Noche and Macam, a Tommy Castrodes service error, a Ybañez off-the-block hit, and a combination play from the returning Alche Gupiteo sealed the Golden Spikers’ win.

In the second set, a down-the-line hit from Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem, a Ybañez attack error, and a Kobe Aca-ac block on Macam cut the Fighting Maroons’ deficit from 23-17 to 23-20, but Trevor Valera converted a timely quick hit while Angelo Lipata’s crosscourt hit sailed out, paving the way for UST’s two-set lead.

Pivotal in the Golden Spikers’ ninth win through 13 outings was the dominance they displayed in both the attack (47-23) and ace (10-0) departments, respectively.

Ybañez fueled UST with 15 points on 12 attacks and three aces with 10 excellent receptions, while Macam provided 11 points on eight attacks and three aces with nine excellent receptions.

Colinares also scored 11 points on nine attacks and two aces, while De la Noche added 10 points on nine attacks with four excellent receptions.

Team captain Dux Yambao tossed out 21 excellent sets in the sweep, while rookie libero Edriel Alabar contributed nine excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.

Heading into its final elimination game of Season 87 -- a date with Adamson on Saturday at the Big Dome -- UP will stay at sixth place, dropping its third straight game to fall to 3-10.

Raheem was the lone Fighting Maroon in double-digits with 10 points on nine attacks, while Milven Francisco chipped in six points in the losing effort.

UST reclaims Women's Tennis title

c/o UAAP Media Team

The UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas reclaimed the UAAP Women’s Tennis crown, halting National University’s bid for a 'four-peat' with a commanding 3-0 victory in Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals, Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.

Last season, the Female Tennisters drew first blood in the Finals but ultimately fell short in the decisive Game 3. This time, they made sure history would not repeat itself—clinching Game 2 with a 3-1 decision before sealing the championship in the winner-take-all third tie, capturing their first title since Season 80.

The victory marked UST’s eighth overall women’s tennis crown, the most in UAAP history.

“So proud, so happy for the team,” said UST head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz. “‘Yun naman ang game plan namin is to get at least two singles for this last game. Luckily, we got three. ‘Di lang dalawa ‘yung binigay namin so we managed to finish the series in three singles na hindi na umabot ng doubles.

(“So proud, so happy for the team. That was really our game plan—to get at least two singles matches in this final game. Luckily, we got three. We didn’t just give two, so we managed to finish the series with three singles wins without having to go into the doubles.”)

“Sana [itong championship ay] maging start ng run, humaba ‘yung run since most of my players are still young, first year and second year,” he added.

(“I hope this championship marks the start of a long run, especially since most of my players are still young—first-years and second-years.")

Finals MVP Mica Emana showed incredible poise and resilience in the second singles match. After splitting the first two sets, Emana dug deep to outlast Danna Abad, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, clinching the championship and ending a seven-season title drought for the España-based squad.

“Tinibayan ko lang at tinapangan ko po, kagaya ng pagtitiwala sakin ng coaches ko and team ko so nagtiwala rin ako sa sarili ko para makuha ko itong award,” said Emana, who also followed in the footsteps of her sister Kaye by earning the Rookie of the Year award.

(“I just stayed strong and toughened up, just like how my coaches and my team trusted me—so I also believed in myself to be able to earn this award.")

“Kita ko naman ‘yung progress ng Rookie of the Year natin si Mica Emana, nag-deliver talaga siya noong last two games ng finals. So medyo nag-mature. Malaking binago niya from the first round. Nag-mature nang todo ‘yung player,” added Sta. Cruz, commending Mica's growth throughout the season.

(“I really saw the progress of our Rookie of the Year, Mica Emana. She really delivered in the last two games of the finals. She’s matured a lot. She made major improvements since the first round. She truly grew as a player.")

UST drew first blood in Game 3 behind the composed play of Patricia Lim in the third singles match. Lim overcame a tight first set against Julia Carvajal before taking control in the second to win, 6-4, 6-1.

“It feels good knowing that we’ve earned this win. I’ve been here since Season 85. We first won bronze and then silver in 86, and now gold. It was a long journey and I knew that we could make it. It was a team effort. Everyone did their part and I’m very glad of the result,” said Lim.

(“It feels good knowing that we’ve earned this win. I’ve been here since Season 85. We first won bronze, then silver in Season 86, and now gold. It’s been a long journey, and I always believed we could make it. It was a team effort—everyone did their part, and I’m very happy with the result.")

“Our mindset was, since this is our last [year] especially for me and Debbie [Gom-os], we’re graduating students, ibuhos na ang lahat. We should fight and do our best. Dapat wala nang takot or wala nang regrets. Lahat ibuhos na sa court. Fight nang fight hanggang sa pinakadulo kasi ito na ‘yung last talaga namin.”

(“Our mindset was, since this is our last year—especially for me and Debbie [Gom-os] as graduating students—we had to give it our all. We needed to fight and do our best. No fear, no regrets. Leave everything on the court. Just keep fighting until the very end because this is really our last shot.”)

Co-MVP Kaye Emana followed up with a gritty performance in the first singles match, defeating NU's JM Carcueva in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, to give UST an early 2-0 lead.

“Bumalik kami sa dati naming match-up knowing na kulang sila dahil sa injury ni Jasmine [Jaran] kaya bumalik kami sa dating strategy namin and nag-work naman po. Nagsakto ‘yung gusto namin,” said Emana, who shared MVP honors this season with Fighting Maroon Jufe Cocoy in this tournament supported by Wilson Philippines.

(“We went back to our previous match-up strategy, knowing they were undermanned because of Jasmine [Jaran]’s injury, so we returned to our old game plan—and it worked. Things went exactly the way we wanted.)

“Super happy na this batch and ‘yung mga graduates namin nakapag-champion sila bago makapagtapos."

(“I’m super happy that this batch, especially our graduating players, were able to win a championship before they graduate.”)