UP continues reload with five commits for Season 90

Lising twins and Kristan Yumul (c/o UP WBT)

While UAAP Season 89 has the full focus of the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT), work is also already being done to ensure continued contention in the future.

Five more players have been added to the Fighting Maroons' pool, headlined by Fil-Am twins Heart and Hannah Lising, who will undergo one-year residency before being eligible for UAAP Season 90.

The 21-year-old sisters, both guards, made a splash in Los Angeles Mission College before deciding to move to the Philippines and be part of State U's new era under coach Eric Altamirano.

Likewise serving residency are two more talents in Fil-Am Kristan Yumul, 5-6 at age 21, and Fil-Aussie Lecita Sherriffs, 5-10 at age 19.

Nigerian Okesola Victoria Olauluwa, 6-4 at age 18, is also just biding her time before linking up with compatriot Blessing Chuole Francis, with the UAAP now allowing two foreign student-athletes in the lineup.

"Siyempre, recruitment naman ang lifeblood of any program, and we're just happy for the trust these players gave us, even as they wait for a year before being able to play," said Altamirano. "What we can promise naman is all of them will be given the chance to prove themselves, kasi kailangan natin lahat sila."

With Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco showing the way alongside highly touted newcomers Kennan Ka, Ashley Loon, and Francis, UP is hoping for a return to the playoffs after finishing fifth and seventh in the last two years.

Former Gilas Youth standout Ashley Loon commits to UP

Ashley Loon (c/o UP WBT)

A team-up that once powered Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women has come back online, and this time, Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Ashley Loon are hoping to get the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT) over the hump.

Loon, a 5-foot-7 guard, committed to a one-and-done season for the Fighting Maroons in the oncoming UAAP Season 89, where she will reunite with Ozar and Nolasco, her teammates in the national team that bagged bronze in the FIBA Asia Women's Under-18 Championship 2022 Division B.

"Ashley gives us another option on offense, and more size na rin on defense," said first-year head coach Eric Altamirano. "More importantly, makikita natin, hopefully, yung chemistry nila ni Louna and Camille coming from Gilas."

With Ozar, Nolasco, Kaye Pesquera, Ninay Tapawan, and Achrissa Maw keeping the State U core intact, the additions of Loon, 6-foot Kennan Ka, and 6-2 Blessing Chuole Francis are big boosts to get the maroon-and-green back on track for a playoff berth it last clinched in Season 86.

Also reinforcing the roster are two more one-and-done players in Claire Tapinit from Centro Escolar University and Rica Torres from Rizal Technological University.

Tapinit and Torres - who stand 5-7 and 5-6, respectively - are both guards who provide experience and depth for a UP side ushering in a new era under the watchful eye of a school legend who once led its men's basketball team to a title.

"Excited tayo for all the talent coming in to strengthen yung foundation built by the veterans. Hopefully, mabilis silang maka-adapt and maka-contribute sa atin," said Altamirano, who teamed up with the likes of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in UP's 1986 championship.

Meanwhile, Chiang Kai Shek standout guard Ashley Mabazza, 5-6 at age 20, committed to the Fighting Maroons, as well, and will redshirt her first year in Diliman.

UP boosts ceiling with Ka, Francis commitments

Kennan Ka (c/o UP WBT)

Lack of size has been addressed for the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT) with the entry of a Fil-Am one-and-done player and a new Nigerian foreign student-athlete.

Six-foot Kennan Ka and 6-1 Blessing Chuole Francis have arrived to add much-welcome height for the Fighting Maroons in the oncoming UAAP Season 89.

The 22-year-old Ka recently starred for Long Beach State before committing to play one season for State U. Despite the San Diego, California native's size, she actually also brings ballhandling and playmaking to complement stalwarts Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Kaye Pesquera.

Francis, age 21, is then a traditional inside presence who finally fills the space once occupied by former Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh, who powered UP to a playoff berth in Season 86.

"Talagang big boost sila sa atin because, as we all saw, height is what we had been lacking in the last two years," said first-year head coach Eric Altamirano.

Francis will join forces with veterans Achrissa Maw and Ninay Tapawan up front, as the Fighting Maroons try to get back into the Final Four picture after fifth and seventh-place finishes in the past couple of seasons.

For her part, Ka will also provide valuable experience for a maroon-and-green side ushering in a new era under the watchful eye of a school legend who once led its men's basketball team to a title.

"We have high hopes for the upcoming season, but at the same time, we know how competitive the field is. So the first thing we want to do is just to compete," said Altamirano, who teamed up with the likes of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in UP's 1986 championship.

Kacey dela Rosa to be honored at Collegiate Press Corps Awards

ATENEO de Manila University's Kacey dela Rosa will receive a special citation at the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics after delivering historic performances for Gilas Pilipinas in both 5-on-5 and 3x3 basketball.

A two-time UAAP MVP, Dela Rosa has already established herself as one of the best athletes to come out of Katipunan in recent years, and her greatness will be hailed at the annual awards night to be held at Discovery Suites Manila.

After helping Ateneo secure a bronze-medal finish in UAAP Season 88 in her fourth year with the Blue Eagles, she turned her attention to the international stage, representing the Philippines and making her mark in both formats of the game.

Dela Rosa, who was also named to the Collegiate Women's Basketball Mythical Team, will be honored alongside the top performers in basketball, volleyball, and football from the UAAP and NCAA during the Awards Night, which is also supported by Converge FiberX, San Miguel Corporation, the Philippine Sports Commission, Go For Gold, D'Generals, and Buffalo Wings 'N Things.

Last December, Dela Rosa was among the anchors of the Gilas Pilipinas Women's team that reclaimed the gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, where she manned the center position in the absence of long-time Gilas stalwart Jack Animam.

She then followed it up with another gutsy performance at the 2027 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France, where the Philippines notched its first win in an OQT against Colombia.

Dela Rosa was the team's leading scorer and rebounder in the tournament, averaging 15.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She also normed 2.2 blocks per contest.

But perhaps Dela Rosa's biggest impact came in 3x3, where she played a key role in leading the Philippines to its best-ever result in a FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup after winning silver with Gilas in early April.

In five games en route to the runner-up finish, Dela Rosa posted averages of 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

They then followed it up with an inspiring performance in the World Cup qualifiers in Singapore, where the Gilas women sealed their second appearance in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

Dela Rosa most recently saw action in the World Cup in Warsaw, Poland, where she and teammates Afril Bernardino, Camille Clarin, and Mikka Cacho scored a big win over Italy for the country's first-ever victory in the Women's FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

2026 edition of the Collegiate Press Corps awards on tap

2025 Collegiate Press Corps

EVERY blood, sweat and tear shed during the previous season leads to this moment.

While championships are won on the court, legacy is built off of it – and the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards (CPC) Night presented by Strong Group Athletics will be where Philippine collegiate sports' brightest stars cement theirs.

The awards night, which will put the finest student-athletes and personalities of UAAP Season 88 and NCAA Season 101 in the spotlight, will be held on June 29, 2026 at the Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The Collegiate Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Year presented by Converge, which was voted and deliberated by the esteemed group of journalists from both national print and online media, will be among the highlights of the awards night.

Aside from this, the men’s and women’s basketball Mythical Five teams will also be revealed.

Presented by SGA anew, the men’s and women’s volleyball players from both the UAAP and the NCAA will likewise be feted in the season-ending event.

And for the second straight year, the Football Players of the Year for both UAAP and NCAA supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be announced.

Of course, it will not only be the players who will be given their honors in the annual collegiate body ceremony supported by Go For Gold, D’Generals and Buffalos’ Wings ‘N Things.

The top UAAP and NCAA coaches of the year for basketball and volleyball brought by the San Miguel Corporation will be given well-deserved recognition as well for steering their respective teams to the top of the collegiate world.

The CPC will also hand a special citation to Ateneo de Manila University center Kacey dela Rosa for her impact not just for the Blue Eagles and the UAAP, but also for Gilas Pilipinas in international 5-on-5 and 3x3 basketball.

“Every year, new stars emerge and legends arrive to lord it over the famed collegiate courts and fields. And this year is no different with the CPC continuing its relentless drive to champion collegiate sports and recognize the student-athletes behind every championship and glory – once more and always,” said CPC president John Bryan Ulanday of The Philippine Star.

SBP announces Pat Aquino's departure from Gilas Women coaching duties

Gilas Women

A new era has dawned in Philippine basketball, as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announces on Saturday that it will conduct a search for a new senior women's national team head coach.

After more than a decade of serving as the mentor for Gilas Pilipinas Women, Patrick Aquino is moving into a new role with the federation, with the focus centered towards talent identification and grassroots development on the girls’ side, along with Program Director Norman Black.

“The SBP thanks coach Patrick Aquino for everything that he has done for the program and for all his efforts in the development of women’s basketball in the country,” said SBP President Ricky Vargas. “But now it’s time to move forward and do more for Gilas Pilipinas Women and the entire women’s basketball community in the country.”

He adds, "The landscape of women’s basketball is changing as we’re seeing Filipina talent sprouting from all over the world. The talent of our Filipina players is also being recognized as doors are opening for them all over the world. We need to harness all of this into our team. This is a crucial period where we really need to invest in the growth of our women’s program as we look forward to hosting the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2027."

In concluding his statement, Vargas shares, "The SBP believes that our Filipina basketball players are good enough not just to be on the same court as these world-class teams, but good enough to beat them. This is why the federation is committed to investing more in our women’s program, and it will start with our search for a new Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach."

It was under the auspices of Aquino that Gilas Women made its historic ascent to its current heights. The Philippines claimed its first three gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games for women's basketball, including the latest edition in the just-concluded edition last year in Thailand. At the same time, Gilas Women and Gilas Youth have secured and retained their spots in Division A at the continental level.

With the search underway, the SBP will leave no stone unturned to find Aquino's successor. According to Executive Director Erika Dy, "We’re going to have a thorough process to determine who will lead Gilas Pilipinas Women moving forward. We don’t have clear prospects yet, but the search begins now."

She adds, “We’re not limiting ourselves to looking for local coaches, as our plan is really to land the best option possible. If that means hiring from abroad, that’s what we will do.”

The Philippines is fresh from their participation in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, where they finished with a 1-4 record, losing their matches against France, Germany, Nigeria and Korea Republic, before wrapping up their campaign with a victory against Colombia.

Even with their elimination from participation in next year's World Cup in Germnay next year, the country still has an active calendar ahead, with their upcoming stints this August for the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and the Asian Games in Japan this September.

UP selects Eric Altamirano as Women's Basketball head coach

From L-R: UP OASD coordinator Kenneth Raval and Director Bo Perasol, UP WBT head coach Eric Altamirano and assistants Anton Altamirano and Mikka Cacho, UP OASD deputy director Mo Gingerich

Eric Altamirano makes his long overdue return to his alma mater.

The veteran tactician, who has won a championship as a player and as a coach, has been tasked to revive the University of the Philippines' women's basketball program, as announced by the university's Office for Athletics and Sports Development on Wednesday.

In joining the program, he says, "I've come full circle. This is my way of giving back sa school that gave me the opportunity to start my playing career and coaching career."

After winning the men's basketball championship with the Fighting Maroons in 1986, Altamirano would play in the professional ranks before rejoining the program as head coach a decade later. He would then call the shots in the pros with Purefoods, Mobiline, and Coca-Cola before re-entering the collegiate ranks with National University, serving as the architect of their historic title in UAAP Season 77 in 2014. In addition, he has served as a consultant for Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women since 2023 and with the Pilipinas Aguilas in the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League since 2025.

Now that he's back again in the collegiate ranks, albeit in the women's game, he sees this as an opportunity. Altamirano says about this new role, "I've been involved with women's basketball for the last three years and I fell in love with it. There's this certain challenge to help women's basketball continue its rise, most especially, for my alma mater."

When asked about his hopes and expectations are for the Fighting Maroons, Altamirano shares, "Of course, our long-term plan is to bring UP to the mountaintop. Pero for now, we have to continue taking these many steps to get there. For now, what we want is sustainable competitiveness."

Altamirano replaces Paul Ramos, whose seven-year tenure allowed UP to move up the standings, capped by making the postseason in Season 86. Ramos' final season saw them finish in seventh place with a 3-11 record.

In speaking about Ramos, UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Bo Perasol shares, "Laking pasasalamat natin kay coach Paul for, as he said, giving seven years of his life to the WBT. Because of him and his staff, the pieces are already in place for us, and it's just up to coach E and his own staff to put it all together,"

Perasol adds, "Confident tayo that UP can be a contender in women's basketball, and we believe we have found the right leader to prove that next season."

To help Altamirano steer the ship, he tapped the following to be his assistants, Jeff Perlas, Paolo Layug, Anton Altamirano, and Mikka Cacho. 

Pingol, Okebata lead individual awardees in women's and U16 basketball

c/o UAAP

In her final year with National University, Ann Pingol made sure to leave her mark by capturing the biggest individual accolade in collegiate basketball.

The 5-foot-7 graduating winger was officially crowned the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Most Valuable Player on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Pingol, 24, who is also set to join Gilas Women for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, became just the third Lady Bulldog to win the league's highest individual plum after Afril Bernardino (UAAP Seasons 77–79, 2014–16) and Jack Animam (Season 80, 2017).

Built on two triple-double performances, the younger sister of former Adamson and NU standout Kaye Pingol tallied 93.571 statistical points — 2.142 SPs ahead of dethroned MVP Kacey Dela Rosa of Ateneo.

"Siguro, malaking confidence booster siya para sa akin. Nung first [year] ko pa lang sa UAAP, hindi ko naman ito ina-aim 'eh kasi kumbaga, I just play my game and kung ano lang flow ng system namin. Na-surprise lang ako na 'yon yung naging outcome," Pingol said.

She averaged 14.29 points, 8.93 rebounds, 5.14 assists, 3.57 steals, and 1.07 blocks per game in the Lady Bulldogs' 12-2 elimination round campaign.

In the junior high school boys’ division, Goodluck Okebata became the first University of the East Red Warrior in 21 years to win a regular season MVP award.

The last Red Warrior to claim the top individual honor was Julius Porlaje back in the UAAP Season 67 Junior Basketball Tournament in 2004.

Okebata, a 15-year-old Lambunao, Iloilo native standing at 6-foot-4, amassed 96.214 SPs off averages of 19.71 points, 13.43 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.29 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game in UE's fifth-place, 8-6 finish in Season 88. He edged out University of Santo Tomas’ Rowie Cabañero by just 0.571 SPs.

"Itong MVP na ito, it's not only for me. It's for my kuyas and sa mga coach ko rin na nagtiwala sa akin. Para rin ito sa mga magulang ko na nagtitiwala sa akin. Hindi lang sa akin itong MVP na ito, kung hindi para sa kanilang lahat ito," Okebata said.

Cabañero, a 5-foot-6 guard from Mahaplag, Leyte who also recorded two triple-double outings in the eliminations, was still named the Rookie of the Year in the 16-and-under division.

Joining Pingol and Dela Rosa in the women’s Elite Team are UST’s Kent Pastrana (86.643 SPs) and NU’s Kristine Cayabyab (73.571) and Angel Surada (71.714).

Meanwhile, the junior high school boys’ Elite Team is composed of Okebata, Cabañero, FEU-Diliman’s Dwyne Enriquez (89.286), NU-Nazareth School’s Moussa Diakite (85.143), and FEU-D’s Prince Cariño (84.769).

Ateneo’s Erica De Luna emerged as the women’s Rookie of the Year after finishing 25th in the SP race with 47.214, posting averages of 7.5 points, 4.43 rebounds, 2.57 assists, and 1.79 steals in her freshman campaign.

Also awarded their third-place trophies were Ateneo (collegiate women's) and UST (junior high school boys').

The Blue Eagles finished the elimination round as the third seed with an 8-6 record before defeating Adamson in the stepladder quarterfinal, 66-56.

Ateneo fell to NU in the semis, 79-84.

Meanwhile, the Junior Tiger Cubs were the second seed with a 10-4 slate but lost to FEU-D in the semifinal, 75-82.

Ateneo slays ghost of 4th, earns semifinal spot in women's basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum
8:30 a.m. - FEU-D vs UST (16U boys' stepladder semis)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs NU (Women's stepladder semis)
1:30 p.m. - NU* vs DLSU (Men's final four)
4:30 p.m. - UP* vs UST (Men's final four)
*Twice-to-beat

Ateneo de Manila University delivered a decisive fourth-quarter rally to eliminate Adamson University, 66-56, and advance to the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball stepladder semifinals on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

After three consecutive fourth-place finishes, the Blue Eagles are finally assured of a podium spot.

Up next for Ateneo is defending champion and No. 2 seed National University in another knockout stepladder semifinal at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles, who last reached the Finals in Season 78 (2015) dropped both elimination-round meetings to the Lady Bulldogs, 79-83 in the first round and 47-69 in the second.

University of Santo Tomas awaits in the Finals after completing a perfect 14-0 sweep of the eliminations.

“Gusto ko lang din mapatunayan sa NU na hindi lang sila ‘yung kaya makipagcompete sa ganoong level pero kami rin. We just pray for that win,” said Kacey Dela Rosa regarding their upcoming matchup against NU.

After years of heartbreaking fourth-place finishes, Dela Rosa is hungrier than ever to finally reach the Finals.

Leading by just six entering the final frame, the Blue Eagles opened the fourth quarter with an 11-0 blitz to build a 17-point lead with six minutes left, 65-48.

Dela Rosa teamed up with Kate Cancio, Camille Malagar, and Kai Oani during the run that left the Lady Falcons reeling.

Adamson’s first basket of the fourth quarter came at the 4:24 mark on an Elaine Etang fastbreak layup off a steal.

“Adamson made a run but our defense held up. That’s what we talk about. We really admire Adamson, we learn a lot of things from them. They’re a very tough and scrappy team. Today, with God’s help we were able to pull through,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar, whose squad rebounded after two straight losses to end the eliminations.

Dela Rosa anchored Ateneo with 17 points, 20 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Oani and Malagar added 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Sarah Makanjuola produced nine points, 16 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks—though her seven turnovers remain a point of concern.

Etang led Adamson with 18 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals, while Kemi Adeshina chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds.

Cris Padilla, Kat Agojo, and Angela Alaba played their final game in an Adamson uniform.

The Lady Falcons finished in fourth place after stringing together three straight wins to close the eliminations and secure the final berth in the Final Four.

The Scores:

Ateneo (66) - Dela Rosa 17, Oani 13, Malagar 12, Makanjuola 9, Cancio 7, Lopez 3, Villacruz 3, De Luna 2, Batongbakal 1.

AdU (56) - Etang 18, Adeshina 10, Apag 9, Limbago 5, Ornopia 4, Padilla 3, Bajo 3, Meniano 2, E. Alaba 2, Agojo 0, A. Alaba 0, Muñoz 0, Mazo 0.

Quarterscores: 20-14, 32-31, 54-48, 66-56.

UP seeks to avenge first-round loss to La Salle

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Basketball Standings

Men
*NU            11    2
*UP             10    3
UST             7    5
DLSU           6    6
AdU             6    7
FEU              5    7
Ateneo        5    7
UE                0    13

Women
*UST           12    0
*NU             12    1
*Ateneo       8    4
AdU             6    7
FEU              5    7
DLSU           4    8
UP                3    10
UE                0    13

*Final Four

Games Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

7:30 a.m. – UPIS vs DLSZ (16U)
9:30 a.m. – FEU-D vs UE (16U)
11:30 a.m. – FEU vs UE (Women)
1:30 p.m. – FEU vs UE (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)
7 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)

DEFENDING champion University of the Philippines may have little left to play for besides securing the No. 1 ranking in the Final Four, but the Fighting Maroons are determined to avenge their first-round loss to De La Salle today in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men's Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons, already assured of a top-two finish in the eliminations for a sixth consecutive season, are expected to bring their full intensity in the 4:30 p.m. clash with the Green Archers, who are suddenly fighting for their Final Four lives.

Earlier, Far Eastern University aims to clear the first of two must-win games to secure a playoff for the last Final Four slot when it takes on last-place University of the East at 1:30 p.m.

A UP win over De La Salle, combined with a National University loss to University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, would give the Diliman-based squad the top ranking and the right to face the No. 4 team in the Final Four with a twice-to-beat advantage. The Fighting Maroons (10-3) hold the tiebreaker against the Bulldogs (11-2), having won both elimination round matchups.

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde emphasized the need for focus as the team prepares for bigger challenges ahead.

"Siguro, for me, like any other team we just need to be consistent. Right now, yun naman lagi sinasabi ko eh, after this game we just have to watch and see kahit isang game nalang kami sa second round, what we need to work on parin. Siyempre, pag La Salle ang kalaban we really need to prepare for them. At the same time, try to improve more sa kung ano pa yung pwede naming gawin," Monteverde said.

("Maybe for me, like any other team, we just need to stay consistent. Like I always say, after this game we just have to watch and see—even if we only have one game left in the second round—what we still need to work on. Of course, if our opponent is La Salle, we really need to prepare for them. At the same time, we need to keep looking for ways to improve.")

The Fighting Maroons are motivated to get back at the Green Archers after dropping a 69-72 decision last October 19, their first meeting since last season's Finals. De La Salle is coming off a heartbreaking 60-61 loss to Adamson University last Wednesday.

Clinging to a half-game lead over the Falcons (6-7) in the race for the last Final Four slot, De La Salle captain Mike Phillips stressed the importance of staying present.

"We want to base this season around the term grit, and that's all we have right now. I think that we're down, but we're not out. It's gonna really take the heart of a champion and a fighter to rise from this. I never doubt or question what God has in store for us -- sometimes I don't agree -- but God has put us in this situation and I know that He's trying to build something in us. I believe that the biggest thing He's putting in us is perseverance. If we're not able to rise from this, we don't deserve it," Phillips said.

"But I know we can rise from this, and we can really show everybody, especially the LaSallian community, which continues to support us even in this losing streak, what we're capable of. This is what I talk about when I say I really want to fight for La Salle because it's probably one of the most lowest points of the season and [the fans] keep showing up for us. Despite our performances, they still show up for us. I think that's something we can rally behind and rally behind the Animo spirit the community is showing us," he added.

De La Salle must sweep its last two games to avoid being dragged into a playoff for the No. 4 spot.

Far Eastern University's path to the Final Four is not entirely in its own hands, as the Tamaraws trail De La Salle by a game and are currently tied with Ateneo at 5-7. Wins over the Red Warriors today (Saturday) and the Growling Tigers on Wednesday—a make-up of their postponed November 9 clash—would assure a playoff for the last Final Four berth.

If FEU defeats UE, it will watch Sunday's Adamson-Ateneo game, a virtual knockout match. A win over the Growling Tigers would secure a playoff for No. 4, with the Tamaraws awaiting the outcome of the Green Archers-Blue Eagles clash to determine their potential do-or-die opponent.

University of Santo Tomas, currently third at 7-5, needs just one win in its final two games to clinch a Final Four berth. The Growling Tigers have two chances—against the Bulldogs on Sunday or the Tamaraws on Wednesday.

In the women's division, FEU aims to join Adamson in the No. 4 spot when it faces UE at 11:30 a.m. The Lady Tamaraws, at 5-7, trail the Lady Falcons (6-7) by half a game in the race for the last Final Four slot.

De La Salle, at 4-8 and one-and-a-half games behind Adamson, seeks to beat also-ran UP at 7 p.m. to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive.

In 16-and-under action, titleholder UE aims to keep its Final Four chances alive against FEU-Diliman at 9:30 a.m., following a clash between already-eliminated squads La Salle-Zobel and UP Integrated School at 7:30 a.m.

All games will air live on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

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.

Uwan forces UAAP postponements Sunday

The UAAP announced on Saturday afternoon that it is postponing its matches scheduled to take place in Metro Manila on November 9.

It reads as follows:

In light of the inclement weather brought by Severe Tropical Storm 'Uwan', the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) announces that all scheduled basketball, collegiate men's football, and high school volleyball games on Sunday, November 9, 2025, are postponed.

The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, fans, and everyone involved is our top priority. We strongly advise everyone to take all necessary precautions, stay indoors if possible, and ensure the safety of your family and loved ones during this severe weather event.

The UAAP will release the rescheduled dates and times for the affected games as soon as they are finalized. We thank you for your understanding and patience, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the court safely once conditions improve.

Please stay safe.

The basketball playdate at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum includes the much-anticipated rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle, as well as the neighborly matchup between UST and FEU.

Football was supposed to conclude its schedule for 2025 with a doubleheader at the football field inside the University of the Philippines, with UST and FEU seeking to solidify a run to the postseason, while La Salle also seeking to keep its hopes alive against an already qualified UP.

The Blue Eagle Gym would have been set to host a full schedule of high school volleyball, with a tasty duel between UST and NUNS on the girls side being the main feature.

This development comes a day after it announced tweaks to its schedule for both swimming and athletics, which are set to continue its slate of activities at New Clark City tomorrow.

UAAP hands one-game suspension to Sarah Makanjoula

The UAAP announced on Friday that it has meted a one-match suspension to Sarah Makanjoula.

In a statement, the league says,

SARAH MAKANJOULA (#23, Ateneo de Manila University) has been handed a one-game suspension following an unsportsmanlike foul (Criteria 2) committed last Wednesday, October 12, during Ateneo de Manila University’s UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Basketball game against Far Eastern University.

Makanjoula will serve her suspension on Sunday, October 26, during the Blue Eagles' matchup against the National University Lady Bulldogs at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

The suspension resulted from the two unsportsmanlike fouls assessed to her during the game.

At the 5:58 mark of the third quarter, Makanjoula extended her left arm and made contact with the head of FEU player Erica Lopez. Upon review, the action was deemed unnecessary.

Later, at the 8:53 mark of the fourth quarter, after securing a rebound, Makanjoula’s left elbow extended and swung horizontally, making a motion inconsistent with a normal basketball play.

The contact met the criteria for an Unsportsmanlike Foul (Criterion 2).

Please be guided accordingly.

The Blue Eagles will miss their foreign student-athlete, as it tries to solidify its postseason case against one of the two main title contenders this weekend.

UST seeks co-leadership in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball

c/o UAAP

Standings W L 

Men's
NU 5 1
UST 4 1
UP 4 2
Ateneo 4 2
DLSU 2 3
AdU 2 4
FEU 1 4
UE 0 5

Women's
UST 4 0
NU 4 1
Ateneo 4 1
FEU 2 2
UP 2 3
AdU 2 3
DLSU 0 4
UE 0 4

JHS Boys'
NUNS 6-0
FEU-D 4-1
AdU 4-2
UE 3-2
UST 3-2
Ateneo 2-4
DLSZ 0-5
UPIS 0-6

Games Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – DLSZ vs UE (JHS Boys')
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU-D (JHS Boys')
1 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Women's)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Men's)
5 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men's)
7 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Women's)

University of Santo Tomas looks to grab a share of first place as it faces a dangerous Far Eastern University side, while De La Salle University hopes to recover minus injured forward Mason Amos when the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament resumes today (Wednesday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Coming off a character-defining performance that reaffirmed its status as a title contender, the Growling Tigers are gunning for a third straight win when they battle the Tamaraws at 5 p.m.

It took UST three overtimes to outlast Ateneo, 98-89, in the league’s much-heralded return to the iconic Blue Eagle Gym last Saturday, thanks to the efforts of Nigerian big man Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo, and Forthsky Padrigao.

“It’s a character win for us. There’s a saying nga na that a great sailor will sail smooth seas, so the team will have to go through this to experience this journey and hopefully this makes us a better and stronger team with the experience we had against Ateneo,” said Growling Tigers assistant coach Juno Sauler.

A victory will lift UST into a tie with National University at the top of the standings with a 5-1 record.

It has been a tough second season so far for coach Sean Chambers, as FEU currently sits in seventh place with a 1-4 slate. Three of those losses were decided by four points or less, with the Tamaraws still struggling to close out games — the latest being a heartbreaking 66-69 loss to defending champion University of the Philippines last Sunday.

“We need to get over the so-called hill to finalize and finish these games off. So I spoke to all of them during practice, saying that we have to go earn the respect of the rest of the team in the league by winning against some of the upper echelon teams to let them know that we have arrived,” said Chambers.

“We’re playing great basketball, but we just gotta finish off these games and the deal. So, I mean, I’m happy with their effort, but I hate losing, and I just think that we don’t want moral victories. I know we’re playing good basketball. We just gotta get one more step over to beat these top teams,” the many-time PBA Best Import awardee added.

Meanwhile, the Green Archers hope to catch a break against the University of the East Red Warriors, who remain winless in five games and have dropped 11 straight dating back to last season’s second round. Tip-off is set at 3 p.m.

Enduring its worst start since coach Topex Robinson took over in 2023, La Salle is digging deep to stay within the top-four range.

“There’s no way for us but to, again, keep on persevering and fighting. We could have had all the reasons to just go down and die, but I guess that’s the least of our priorities right now. We have a lot of basketball to play, a lot of opportunities to bounce back. What’s important is we stick together and go through this harder this time, especially with injuries to our players but it is what it is. As long as we have life, we have a chance. We’re not gonna give up on this,” Robinson said.

Amos will be sidelined for at least six to eight weeks after sustaining an MCL tear in his right knee during La Salle’s 78-82 loss to National University last Sunday, dropping the Season 86 champions to a 2-3 record.

In the women’s division, league-leading UST seeks its fifth straight win against vastly improved FEU at 7 p.m.

Tigresses coach Haydee Ong remains cautious of the Lady Tamaraws, who hold a 2-2 record behind the efforts of Amyah Espanol and Shem Abatayo, while keeping her team focused on one game at a time.

“It’s a long season — we just had our fourth game and three more in the first round, so one game at a time lang kami. We’ll go against FEU on Wednesday, so that's what we are preparing for,” Ong said after UST rallied past Ateneo, 75-66, last Saturday.

FEU coach Raiza Palmera-Dy is also preparing her squad for a tough battle against the top-ranked Tigresses, powered by Kent Pastrana and Nigerian student-athlete Oma Onianwa.

“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, we will face the No. 1 team. I hope that we are ready to face them, but I will prepare them mentally and physically kasi hindi yan magiging madali kasi they’re a more experienced team. Hopefully, lahat ng trinabaho namin offseason, lumabas next game,” said Palmera-Dy.

(“I told them that we’ll be facing the No. 1 team. I just hope we’re ready, but I’ll make sure to prepare them mentally and physically because it’s not going to be easy — they’re a much more experienced team. Hopefully, everything we worked on during the offseason shows in our next game.")

Earlier in the day, La Salle and UE, both still searching for their first win after four games, will clash at 1 p.m.

In the 16-and-under division, FEU-Diliman aims to solidify its hold on second place against UST at 10 a.m., while defending champion UE battles De La Salle-Zobel in the 8 a.m. curtain-raiser.

All games will air live on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

NU dismantles La Salle in UAAP Women's Basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – DLSZ vs UE (16U)
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU-D (16U)
1 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs UE (Men)
5 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)
7 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)

National University got off to another slow start but pulled away in the second quarter to keep De La Salle University winless, 86-68, securing its third straight victory in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

After trailing by as many as seven points in the opening period, the Lady Bulldogs shook off their sluggish start, relying on Tin Cayabyab, Ann Pingol, Angel Surada, and Marga Villanueva to combine for 24 points in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, they held the Lady Archers to just eight points on a dismal 3-of-13 shooting clip.

That second-quarter surge proved decisive, as NU maintained control for the rest of the game, cruising to its third consecutive win and forging a two-way tie for second place with Ateneo de Manila University, both holding identical 4-1 records.

“We responded well during the second quarter. Medyo nakabawi kami doon sa medyo flat na start namin for two games now na we’re starting out slow. Pero, buti naman sa second quarter, nakapag-adjust agad kami,” NU head coach DA Olan said.

In the third frame, the Lady Archers stayed within striking distance, trailing by just 10 points at 44-34.

However, the Lady Bulldogs went on a commanding 22-6 run—highlighted by four consecutive inside baskets from Villanueva, Angela Garcia, Surada, and Cayabyab—to build a 26-point lead, 66-40, that proved insurmountable.

Any hopes of a late La Salle comeback were dashed as a four-point spurt from Surada, followed by back-to-back layups from Cayabyab, extended NU’s wire-to-wire triumph to an 80-55 cushion with less than six minutes left in the fourth period.

Cayabyab finished with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, along with seven rebounds and one steal, while Villanueva added 15 points, four rebounds, and four steals.

Surada posted a double-double with 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 10 rebounds, and two assists, earning a game-high plus-26 rating.

Aloha Betanio contributed eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Rookie center Samantha Medina added eight points and two blocks, while Marylene Solis and Dindy Medina chipped in six points each.

The Lady Bulldogs will look to extend their three-game streak against the Ateneo Blue Eagles this Saturday, October 18, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, La Salle’s losing streak stretched to six games, continuing from back-to-back defeats to close Season 87 last year.

Paula Anastacio flirted with a double-double, finishing with 14 points and eight rebounds, along with three steals, while Kyla Go added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Eli Delos Reyes contributed 10 points and two steals, and Tricia Mendoza had eight points, eight rebounds, and one block.

The Lady Archers will aim to rediscover their winning ways against fellow winless University of the East this Wednesday, October 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Scores:

NU (86) – Cayabyab 18, Villanueva 15, Surada 14, Betanio 8, S. Medina 8, Solis 6, D. Medina 6, Pingol 5, Pring 2, Alterado 2, Garcia 2, Canindo 0, Ico 0.

DLSU (68) – Anastacio 14, Go 12, Delos Reyes 10, Mendoza 8, Lubrico 5, Villarin 5, Camba 4, Sunga 4, A. Dizon 2, Dela Paz 2, S. Dizon 2, Araza 0, Villapando 0, Catalan 0.

Quarterscores: 20-21, 44-29, 66-46, 86-68

Apag, Etang spark Adamson into a bounce-back triumph

c/o UAAP

Games Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
7:30 a.m. – DLSZ vs NUNS (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UPIS vs FEU-D (16U)
11:30 a.m.  – DLSU vs NU (Women)
1:30 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs FEU (Men)
7 p.m. – UP vs FEU (Women)

Adamson University shackled a winless University of the East, 54-43, to return to the win column in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday afternoon at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Looking to bounce back from a 51-69 setback against defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs last Wednesday, the Lady Falcons leaned once again on the Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 duo of Cheska Apag and Elaine Etang.

The duo sparked a dominant start, powering Adamson to an 18-point, 28-10 halftime lead — a deficit the Lady Warriors struggled to overcome.

With the wire-to-wire triumph, Adamson secured solo fifth place in the eight-team field, improving to a 2-3 record for solo fifth.

“I think part lang talaga sa game plan namin ‘yon na right from the get go, pick up na agad sa defense namin kaagad. I think and I believe na nakikita naman sa stats na defense talaga yung bread and butter ng team namin. We’re number three in terms of defensive stats UAAP as far as we know, kaya we’re there to capitalize on our defense talaga,” Lady Falcons head coach Jed Colonia said.

In the third quarter, UE rallied behind the trio of Aliyah Ronquillo, Moana Vacalares, and Syvil Onate, who took turns sparking a 15-4 Lady Warriors run that cut the deficit from 33-14 to eight at 37-29 with 3:13 left in the frame.

However, Apag knocked down a three-pointer before Etang converted a highly contested layup, restoring a 13-point, 42-29 cushion for Adamson heading into the final period.

That proved to be all the breathing room the Lady Falcons needed. Two consecutive layups by Etang and Season 82 Girls Basketball MVP Cris Padilla, a midrange jumper and layup by Angeline Alaba, and an inside basket by Nigerian center Kemi Adeshina built a decisive 52-32 lead with less than 4:30 remaining — effectively sealing Adamson’s comeback triumph.

Apag led the way with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, adding four rebounds, three steals, and one assist, while Etang contributed 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals despite shooting 5-of-14 and committing eight turnovers.

Brianna Bajo made her presence felt despite scoring only two points on 1-of-7 shooting, tallying 11 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Padilla finished with eight points, four assists, four steals, and one rebound.

The Lady Falcons aim to extend their winning ways when they face the still-unbeaten University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses next Saturday, October 18, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, UE’s struggles continued as they fell to 0-4, extending their losing streak to 14 straight outings since a breakthrough first-round triumph against De La Salle University on September 22, 2024, in Season 87 that ended a 40-game skid.

Rachel Lacayanga struggled, scoring nine points on 3-of-13 shooting with eight turnovers but still contributed five rebounds and four steals, while Onate also added nine points with three rebounds and three assists.

Vacalares recorded eight points, four rebounds, and four steals, while Kezza Buscar chipped in eight points, two rebounds, and two steals.

The Lady Warriors look to bounce back against the Lady Archers on Wednesday, October 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Scores:

AdU (54) - Apag 13, Etang 10, Padilla 8, Adeshina 6, E. Alaba 5, A. Alaba 3, Bajo 2, Agolo 2, Carcallas 2, Ornopia 2, Munoz 1, Meniano 0, Limbago 0, Mazo 0, Manlimos 0, Cortez 0.

UE (43) - Onate 9, Lacayanga 9, Vacalares 8, Buscar 8, Dalguntas 4, Ronquillo 3, Yanez 2, Lumibao 0, Gullim 0, Ramos 0, Gomez 0, Delig 0.

Quarterscores: 19-8, 28-10, 42-29, 54-43.

UAAP set for first men's basketball action inside Ateneo for over two decades

c/o UAAP

Standings W L

Men
NU 4 1
Ateneo 4 1
UST 3 1
UP 3 2
DLSU 2 2
FEU 1 3
AdU 1 4
UE 0 4

Women
Ateneo 4 0
UST 3 0
NU 3 1
UP 2 2
FEU 1 2
AdU 1 3
DLSU 0 3
UE 0 3

JHS Boys'
NUNS 5-0
FEU-D 3-1
UE 3-1
AdU 3-2
UST 2-2
Ateneo 2-3
DLSZ 0-4
UPIS 0-5

Games Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym
7:30 a.m. – AdU vs UE (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (16U)
11:30 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
1:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)
7 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)

ATENEO de Manila University sets its sights on getting back on the winning track as it faces University of Santo Tomas today (Saturday) in the first UAAP Collegiate Men’s Basketball doubleheader in 20 years at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Blue Eagles are at home, but for coach Tab Baldwin, that doesn’t guarantee a favorable result, especially against a Growling Tigers squad aiming to build another winning streak at 4:30 p.m.

"Well, since we've had zero trainings in that, I'm not even sure it's a home court yet. It's home in the sense that it's the campus that we go to every day. But I think if there's any chance that it will be a home court, it's if the crowd really turns out, if the student body really comes and, you know, turns that place into, you know, a special event for the day for the team," said Baldwin, who in his nine years at Ateneo will have the opportunity to steer the team at the historic Katipunan venue for the first time.

"But again, you know, is it going to be a distraction? We don't want that. So, I mean, I spent 35 years coaching in leagues where every game was a home or away game. So I don't really believe in that so much unless you've got a rabid, like you know, Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke, unless they're intimidating, which I don't really think is the case here. I don't really put too much stock in the home court thing. I mean, we were undefeated at UST, so, you know, maybe that's our home court," he added.

The last time both teams met was a second-round game on Oct. 29 last year at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena, where the Blue Eagles narrowly defeated the Growling Tigers, 67-64.

Earlier in the day, struggling teams Adamson University and University of the East clash at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for Saturday’s men’s doubleheader at the newly renovated Blue Eagle Gym are sold separately.

The last time the league hosted a men’s twinbill at the Katipunan venue was on Sept. 8, 2005, when Norman Black-coached Ateneo defeated National University, 70-65, and Arwind Santos-led Far Eastern University edged UST, 64-63, in the second round.

The Blue Eagles are currently tied with the Bulldogs for the league’s best record at 4-1, while the Growling Tigers sit in third place at 3-1.

While Ateneo is coming off a 69-83 loss to defending champion University of the Philippines that ended an undefeated four-game winning streak, UST hopes to build momentum after a 111-99 victory over UE, erasing the sting of its first defeat of the season to NU.

"We always take it one game at a time. I think ang difference ay ine-empower talaga kami ni Coach Pido (Jarencio), kaming mga coaches pati mga players, and the level of preparation we do, we take pride in that effort," said Growling Tigers assistant coach Juben Ledesma.

("We always take it one game at a time. I think what sets us apart is that Coach Pido (Jarencio) really empowers all of us—coaches and players alike—and we take pride in the way we prepare for each game.")

After facing the Fighting Maroons’ foreign student-athlete Francis Nnoruka, who dropped 28 points in the Katipunan derby, the Blue Eagles will now have to contend with UST’s FSA Collins Akowe, who has been impressive in his first season with averages of 22.3 points and 17.6 rebounds in the España-based side’s three wins.

"Yung sa offense, we're talking about offense palagi kasi we're a very fluid team na last year pa lang, and with the addition of Collins, mas nakakaangat lang talaga ng confidence. It really helps us big time and yung kumpiyansa ni coach Pido sa mga boys lang talaga," Ledesma said.

("When it comes to offense, we’re always focused on that because we’ve been a very fluid team since last year. With Collins joining us, it really boosts everyone’s confidence. It helps us a lot, and you can really feel Coach Pido’s trust in the boys.")

The Soaring Falcons have only a single victory to show—a 62-59 escape via Ray Allen Torres’ game-winning triple in five games—while the Red Warriors are 0-4 since coach Chris Gavina took over.

As the first round nears its end, Adamson and UE must now make a move if they still want to keep their hopes alive for a deeper run this season.

On the women’s side, it will be a battle of undefeated teams as Ateneo (4-0) and UST (3-0) take the floor at 7 p.m. The Blue Eagles are on a tough two-game winning stretch, and coach LA Mumar relishes the chance to challenge the mighty Tigresses, who boast a winning margin of 40 points per game.

"UST and NU are our big games for us. But we get to play in the Blue Eagle Gym, we're very excited about that. We just want to challenge these two powerhouses who've dominated our division the past couple of years, actually decade na nga 'yata si NU, and we just want to join the party. I think ang mindset ng girls is kaya namin, and right now, pinapatunayan namin na meron kami ibubuga this season," said Mumar.

UST’s FSA Oma Onianwa will be tested by the Blue Eagles’ frontline of reigning MVP Kacey dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjoula, but the Tigresses have plenty of weapons at their disposal, led by Kent Pastrana.

"Of course, very important si Oma. At least ngayon, hindi na kami undersized kila Kacey or kay Makanjoula. With the help of Oma, at least we can do 1-on-1 defense against Kacey or meron pa rin kami iti-tweak sa opensa. But Oma will be a big help against Kacey sa Saturday," said UST mentor Haydee Ong.

("Of course, Oma is very important. At least now, we’re not undersized against Kacey or Makanjoula. With Oma’s help, we can go 1-on-1 against Kacey, and we can still make some tweaks on offense. But Oma will be a big help against Kacey on Saturday.")

In Junior High School Boys’ action, UST and Ateneo square off at 9:30 a.m., following the titleholder UE and struggling Adamson matchup at 7:30 a.m.

Games air on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

Adamson squeaks past FEU for breakthrough S88 women's basketball win

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
7:30 a.m. – NUNS vs AdU (16U)
9:30 a.m. – Ateneo vs UPIS (16U)
12:30 p.m. – NU vs AdU (Women)
2 p.m. – NU vs AdU (Men)
4:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (Men)
7 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (Women)

Adamson University held off a late rally by Far Eastern University, 57-56, to secure a breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

After setbacks against the UP Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the Lady Falcons relied on clutch performances from Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 standouts Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag to finally notch their first victory of Season 88, giving newly appointed head coach Jed Colonia his maiden win since taking over from Ryan Monteclaro.

With the triumph, Adamson forced a two-way tie for fifth place in the eight-team field alongside FEU, both holding identical 1-2 win-loss records.

“Actually, lahat ng games namin, they all boiled down to the dying seconds. It’s a great feeling,” Colonia expressed.

"‘Yon yung point of emphasis namin for the past few trainings and the past few days na we’re there, we’ve given ourselves a chance to win. We brought our team there na may tsansa na manalo, but it’s the effort and the heart na gustuhin manalo in the dying seconds or the last few possessions that will decide the game," the former Soaring Falcon added.

Two consecutive inside hits by Elaine Patio and Yvette Villanueva cut the Lady Tamaraws’ deficit to 53-51 with 4:44 remaining. A split by Apag at the charity stripe, followed by a crucial Etang three-pointer, allowed the Lady Falcons to regain a six-point lead at 57-51 with 3:33 left.

FEU responded with free throws from Shemaiah Abatayo and Max dela Torre, and an ice-cold three-pointer by Victoria Pasilang, closing the gap to 57-56 with 48.6 seconds remaining.

Despite the late scare, the Lady Falcons held firm in the closing seconds.

A critical steal by Apag—who finished with a game-high six steals—along with key defensive stops prevented FEU from attempting a potential game-winning three-pointer.

Adamson claimed its first Season 88 victory after nearly surrendering a 14-point lead in the first quarter.

Apag finished with 18 points, six steals, five rebounds, and two assists, while Etang struggled offensively with 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting but still contributed six rebounds and four assists.

Brianna Bajo added six points, six rebounds, and one assist, while homegrown product Cris Padilla chipped in five points, three assists, two rebounds, and one steal.

The Lady Falcons aim to carry their momentum into a clash with defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, October 8, at the same venue in Pasay.

Amyah Espanol led FEU with a near double-double of 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting and eight rebounds, adding two assists and one steal.

Pasilang finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and one steal.

The Lady Tamaraws look to regroup ahead of their matchup against the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, October 12, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Scores:

AdU (57) – Apag 18, Etang 12, Bajo 6, Padilla 5, Meniano 4, Adeshina 4, Mazo 3, Ornopia 3, Munoz 2, Limbago 0, Agojo 0, E. Alaba 0, Carcallas 0, Manlimos 0, A. Alaba 0.

FEU (56) – Espanol 15, Pasilang 15, Abatayo 6, Salvani 5, Patio 5, Villanueva 4, Lopez 3, Nagma 2, Dela Torre 1, Manguiat 0, Garavan 0.

Quarterscores: 24-16, 33-30, 49-44, 57-56

Cayabyab anchors NU demolition of UP

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament Standings
UST 3 0
Ateneo 2 0
NU 2 1
UP 2 1
FEU 1 1
AdU 0 2
DLSU 0 2
UE 0 3

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – Ateneo vs DLSZ (16U)
10 a.m. – FEU-D vs AdU (16U)
12 noon – FEU vs AdU (Women)
2 p.m. – FEU vs AdU (Men)
5 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Men)
7 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Women)

Tin Cayabyab dropped 26 points as National University powered past the previously unbeaten University of the Philippines, 95-58, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday evening at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Eager to atone for a 62-76 defeat to archrival UST Growling Tigresses last Wednesday, the Lady Bulldogs leaned on Cayabyab, Karl Ann Pingol, and Marga Villanueva to build a dominant 27-point second-quarter surge, outscoring UP 38-11—a deficit the Fighting Maroons never recovered from.

With their collective effort, NU climbed into a tie for third place with UP, as both teams now hold identical 2-1 records after the Lady Bulldogs handed the Fighting Maroons their first defeat of the season.

“May part na mabigat yung talo na ‘yon para sa amin bilang defending champions, pero yung mindset namin sa NU basketball is mag-move forward kami palagi kahit ano ‘man yung maging resulta kaya naka-bounce back kami,” said Cayabayab, the Gilas Women 3x3 member who finished with 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting, five steals, three rebounds, two assists, and one block.

UP attempted to mount a rally late in the second quarter, with Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Shane Cunanan knocking down key shots to trim the deficit to 52-34 by halftime.

However, NU’s early dominance proved decisive, as Cayabyab spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs’ third-quarter surge, scoring 19 points while holding UP to just five. Entering the final period, NU held a commanding 71-39 lead.

The Lady Bulldogs controlled every facet of the game, limiting UP to just 27.7 percent from the field (18-of-65), forcing 22 turnovers, and recording 16 steals.

“Kami naman, we take it one game at a time. We prepare every game kahit sino kalaban namin, we prepare hard. Ito naman, coming off a loss, we made sure na lahat ng pagkukulang namin from the last game on that loss ay ma-address namin,” NU head coach DA Olan said.

Pingol finished with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, adding 10 rebounds and three assists, while Villanueva contributed 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, with six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Marylene Solis added 10 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Angel Surada posted nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.

NU looks to continue its winning ways against Adamson University on Wednesday, October 8, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Meanwhile, UP, which opened the season with back-to-back wins over Adamson and University of the East, was handed a wake-up call and now aims to regroup against Ateneo on the same date and venue.

Marielle Vingno led the Fighting Maroons with 13 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Cunanan narrowly missed a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds, adding one assist.

Ozar was limited to nine points on 4-of-11 shooting with six turnovers, while Achrissa Maw and Shanna Tapawan chipped in eight points each in the losing effort.

The Scores:

NU (95) - Cayabyab 26, Pingol 14, Villanueva 11, Solis 10, Surada 9, Betanio 5, Canindo 5, Garcia 4, Alterado 4, D. Medina 3, Pring 2, S. Medina 2, Ico 0.

UP (58) - Vingno 13, Cunanan 10, Ozar 9, Maw 8, Tapawan 8, Nolasco 4, Barba 3, Solitario 2, Mejasco 1, Santos 0, Pascua 0, Mendoza 0, Castro 0, Evangelista 0, Catequista 0.

Quarterscores: 28-10, 52-34, 71-39, 95-58.

NU set for tough test against defending champions

Standings   W  L
Men
NU               3    0
Ateneo        3    0
UST             2    1
DLSU           2    1
AdU             1    2
UP               1    2
FEU              0    3
UE                0    3

Women
UST             2    0
Ateneo        2    0
UP               2    0
NU               1    1
FEU              1    1
AdU             0    2
UE                0    2
DLSU           0    2

JHS Boys
AdU 3-0
NUNS 3-0
UST 2-1
UE 2-1
FEU 2-1
DLSZ 0-3
Ateneo 0-3
UPIS 0-3

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

AFTER hurdling its biggest test of the young UAAP Collegiate Men’s Basketball season, National University faces another tough challenge against defending champion University of the Philippines this Saturday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Bulldogs are enjoying their finest start in the Final Four era, with coach Jeff Napa pleased to see his players on the same page.

NU is currently tied with Ateneo at 3-0, the tournament’s two unlikely leaders after both squads finished at the bottom of the standings last season.

"Yung character kasi, hindi ko na para i-question ‘yon sa mga bata at players ko ‘eh. Especially (Omar John), he changed a lot. Thankful kami talaga na yung pagbabago niya, for the better — as a player and as a person. Nagbi-benefit talaga yung team. Maybe he’s matured enough to understand everything. His teammates really support him well. Siguro ‘yon yung maganda na nangyayari, they trust each other and no one will be left behind," said Napa.

("Their character is something I don’t question anymore, especially with my players. Omar John, in particular, has changed a lot. We’re really thankful for the positive changes he’s made, both as a player and as a person. It’s really benefiting the team. Maybe he’s matured enough to understand everything, and his teammates are supporting him well. I think what’s great is that they trust each other, and no one gets left behind.")

The Bulldogs hope to sustain their high level of play in the 4:30 p.m. duel with the Fighting Maroons.

Behind Gambian center Omar John and leading scorer Jake Figueroa, NU pricked University of Santo Tomas’ bubble on its home floor with a 76-69 win in a showdown of unbeaten teams Wednesday night.

UP finally got over the hump with a 92-75 win over University of the East last Sunday, ending a two-game skid.

For coach Goldwin Monteverde, the victory will serve as a morale booster for the Fighting Maroons as they brace for an inspired Bulldogs side.

"I guess winning this game in this way would make us realize that it’s very important to play together. It’s not just about talent, it’s about having a quick intuition on making decisions din," said Monteverde.

The Growling Tigers aim to get back on track against the Red Warriors in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser. Sporting a 2-1 record, UST is currently tied with De La Salle in third place, while UE, still searching for its first win under new coach Chris Gavino, is tied with Far Eastern University at 0-3.

In Collegiate Women’s play, UST and UP stake their unbeaten 2-0 records against a dangerous UE and titleholder NU, respectively.

Coming off an impressive 76-62 romp over the Lady Bulldogs, the Tigresses remain wary of the Lady Warriors, who have shown improvement under first-year mentor Ian Valdez, in the 11:30 a.m. contest.

"There’s so much more to improve sa team and day by day naman, kino-correct namin yung mga mali namin and the things that we have to improve para as we go on sa every game namin, we will see improvement until the end of the first round," said UST coach Haydee Ong.

("There’s still a lot we need to work on as a team, and day by day we’re correcting our mistakes and focusing on the areas we need to improve. As we go through each game, I’m confident we’ll see progress by the end of the first round.")

The Fighting Maroons are also aware that the Lady Bulldogs will be eager to vent their ire in the 7 p.m. clash.

"Just like every game namin, we tap ourselves on our shoulders. It was a win we were really dying for, but after that, we’re looking forward to the next game. NU is a big challenge definitely now dahil ganito yung pinakita namin. Hopefully, we can take some positives out of it and we’ll work on our lapses," said coach Paul Ramos after UP nipped UE, 84-75, in overtime.

("Like every game, we give ourselves some credit. It was a win we really needed, but now we’re already looking forward to the next one. NU is definitely going to be a big challenge given how we played. Hopefully, we can take some positives from this and work on the areas where we slipped up.")

In Junior High School Boys' action, unbeaten NU-Nazareth School guns for its fourth straight win against UP Integrated School at 9:30 a.m., following holders UE and UST, who take the floor at 7:30 a.m.

Games air on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel.