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

Ateneo, UST battle into a repeat stalemate

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament Standings
FEU 12 (+10)
DLSU 12 (+5)
UST 5 (-1)
ATENEO 5 (-4)
UP 0 (-10)

Men's Matches Sunday at UP Diliman Football Stadium
4 p.m. — AdU vs DLSU
6:30 p.m. — UP vs. Ateneo

University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University delivered one of the most thrilling matches of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women's Football Tournament, canceling each other out anew, this time in a 3-3 stalemate on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.

This marked the second draw between UST and Ateneo this season, following a 1-1 stalemate last Saturday that concluded round one of the eliminations.

Celina Salazar gave the Blue Eagles an early advantage, connecting with KC Zalamea to put their side ahead 15 minutes into the game.

The Lady Booters quickly responded as Gelydile Anonuevo tapped in the first equalizer after Stephanie Logastua’s initial shot bounced off the post.

Ateneo regained the lead in the 22nd minute through Jada Bicierro’s well-timed header, only for Stephanie Logastua to level the match once more in the 36th minute with a composed finish, making it 2–2.

Just before halftime, Bicierro completed her brace, scoring in the 44th minute to give Ateneo a narrow lead heading into the second half.

“We made a new system of attack,” said Blue Eagles head coach Bob Manlulo. “Let's say we were able to convert three goals, but the problem was we gave easy goals to UST because we allowed them to gain possession. So, I guess we have to regroup again and plan things to be more of an attacking team rather than a defensive one.

“Hopefully we can get back another win for us to have this psychological boost. If we cannot reach the finals, at least we can have a decent result for the season," he added.

However, UST brought the match back to level terms one last time as Christy Logastua put the ball in the back of the net, ensuring that both the Lady Booters and the Blue Eagles would share a point each.

With both teams now having five points in the standings, UST remains third due to a better goal difference of -1, while Ateneo sits fourth with a -4 goal difference.

“We shared the same points,” said Lady Booters coach Marjo Allado. “It’s better than a loss because they were leading. Our purpose was to be the first to score and to extend our lead. UST dominated in the last few minutes, but Ateneo, when they attack, is very hard to stop, especially with their corner kicks.

"Overall, both teams were tired, but whoever had that winning mentality would try to last," he added.

Both teams return to action on Saturday, October 18, at the same venue.

UST will face defending champion Far Eastern University at 4 p.m., while Ateneo will aim for its first win of the second round against University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m.

Perpetual Help extends winning run to four to start NCAA Season 101

c/o NCAA

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta kept its record in the NCAA Season 101 Men's Basketball tournament unblemished after escaping as 72-67 winners against Arellano University on Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with thirteen points. He shared afterwards, "Kinailangan namin laruin possession by possession ‘yong laro kasi ‘di namin kailangan sumabay sa kanila sa transition."

The sophomore adds, "Focused lang kami. Sabi lang namin sa isa’t isa na magfocus at kung sino ‘yong open titira lang."

Also finishing in double figures for Perpetual are Patrick Sleat and Josiah Alcantara, with twelve and eleven markers, respectively.

TMac Ongotan led all scorers with twenty points, but the defeat drops the Chiefs to 1-2. 

The Olsen Racela-coached side is hoping to extend their streak to five when they face the Colegio de San Juan this Wednesday at San Juan.

In their juniors matchup,  Ray Ladica's jumper with six seconds remaining proved to be the winning basket for Arellano's 97-95 triumph over the defending champions.

Ladica finished with 23 points for the Braves.

The Junior Altas had a chance to force the game into overtime, but Ezekiel Zamoras and Lance Nitura  missed their respective chances in the final seconds.

The scores:

PERPETUAL HELP 72 – Gojo Cruz 13, Sleat 12, Alcantara 11, Boral 8, Orgo 7, Casinilio 7, Tulabut 6, Nuñez 4, Abis 2, Maglupay 2, Pagulayan 0, Guibao 0

ARELLANO 67 – Ongotan 20, Valencia 10, Vinoya 8, Libang 6, Hernal 6, Geronimo 5, Camay 4, Borromeo 4, Cabotaje 2, Acop 2, Buenaventura 0, Abiera 0, Langit 0, Anama 0

UP dominant to kickstart Women's Badminton title defense

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women's Badminton Standings
Ateneo 1-0
UP 1-0
NU 1-0
UST 0-1
AdU 0-1
DLSU 0-1

Ties tomorrow (Sunday) at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall

Men's at 8am
NU vs DLSU
AdU vs UST
Ateneo vs UP

Women's at 1pm
UP vs DLSU
AdU vs UST
Ateneo vs NU

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines opened its bid for a back-to-back crown with a commanding 4-1 rout of Adamson University on the opening day of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Badminton Tournament on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate, Manila.

The Fighting Maroons began their title defense in dominant fashion, led by reigning MVP Anthea Gonzalez and team captain Kimberly Lao, who sealed the tie for an early share of the top spot.

The senior duo asserted their dominance with a 21-16, 21-11 victory over Keanna Casaje and Rheylyn Pedron in just 35 minutes, following Adamson’s lone win from the earlier doubles rubber.

The Lady Falcons drew first blood as veterans Graziel Cabriga and Nicole Ondol outlasted UP’s rookie-sophomore tandem of Shei Dela Cruz and Nikki Paz, 24-22, 10-21, 21-19, but that turned out to be their only success as the Fighting Maroons flexed their championship form in the next three matches.

“Sa girls, OK naman naging performance nila. Yun lang partnership ni Shei (Dela Cruz) and Nikki, medyo kinulang sa huli. ‘Yung pressure umabot sa kanila nung second set, so, nakabawi man, kinulang pa rin,” said coach Almar Convento.

“Pero, at the end of the day, maganda naman ang nilaro ng girls; lifted naman yung morale nila. Kaya for tomorrow, panibagong laban na naman ‘yan.”

("The girls performed well today. It's just that the partnership of Shei and Nikki fell short of getting the win. They felt the pressure during the second set; they recovered, but it was a little too late. Although at the end of the day, they played generally well, and the morale is still high. Tomorrow is another day to show up and fight.")

Rookie Brys Fuggan and Gonzalez opened the tie with back-to-back singles wins before Adamson’s brief fightback.

Fuggan showed poise in her 21-17, 21-14 triumph over Key Aubrey Fuerte, while Gonzalez turned up the heat late in both sets to stop Abbygail Barcelona, 21-14, 21-12.

Senior Susmita Ramos wrapped up the win for the Fighting Maroons with a steady 21-12, 21-19 finish over Khylle Agura.

Meanwhile, fellow podium finishers from last season — Ateneo de Manila University and National University — also kicked off their campaigns on a strong note, scoring decisive wins over De La Salle University (5-0) and University of Santo Tomas (4-1), respectively.

Ateneo’s Mika De Guzman, fresh from a runner-up finish in the MAXX North Harbour International, and returning standout Jochelle Alvarez sealed the win for the Blue Eagles after taking down Viana Antonio and Ghiselle Bautista, 21-14, 21-17, in the first doubles match.

On the other hand, NU’s Ysabel Aurora and Karyll Rio battled for almost an hour to complete a hard-earned 16-21, 21-17, 21-15 comeback against Rhafi Santos and Christine Dorega in their second doubles rubber.

De Guzman and last season's Rookie of the Year Althea Ocampo gave Ateneo a 2-0 cushion after cruising through their singles matches.

De Guzman swept Bautista, 21-8, 21-10, in 28 minutes, while Ocampo outlasted Zashca Tuaño, 21-17, 21-15.

Althea Fuentespina and Althea Hernandez then made it 4-0 for Ateneo after dispatching Mia Manguilimotan and Venice Salapong, 21-14, 21-7, before Angel Valle completed the team sweep with a hard-fought 23-21, 14-21, 21-16 win over Antonio.

Meanwhile, Aurora and Rio put the Lady Bulldogs in front with wins in the first two singles matches. Aurora won past Hanie De Jesus, 21-8, 21-17, while Rio battked through a gritty stance from Dorega, 18-21,  21-10, 21-7.

UST pulled one back courtesy of the 21-11, 21-11 victory of Marielle Alvarez and Jennifer Saladaga against Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany.

Diaz, though, made sure to get a win to end the day, beating Reshane Nicor, 21-15, 21-16.

UP, Ateneo, and NU will aim to keep their winning momentum on Sunday.

Ateneo and NU are set for a rematch of last season’s semifinal at 1 p.m., while UP faces De La Salle University in pursuit of a 2-0 start.

Meanwhile, Adamson and UST will battle for their first win — all matches still at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate.

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.

Letran ends NCAA Season 101 skid against EAC

c/o NCAA

Colegio de San Juan de Letran finally entered the win column in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament, snapping its losing streak with an 84-80 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Deo Cuajao led the way for the Knights with 23 points, while Kevin Santos added fifteen markers.

Jonathan Manalili and Aaron Buensalida also contributed with their respective double-doubles in the effort. The former registered twelve points and thirteen assists, while the latter tacked on twelve and eleven rebounds.

For Letran coach Allen Ricardo, he explained the slow start his wards went through and explained that some things simply take time.

“Siyempre at the end of the day ‘yong cohesiveness at chemistry will take some time,” he said, while noting that, "I’m hoping na little by little, magpeak na rin itong team natin."

Nico Quinal and Wilmar Oftana led the Generals with 16 points each as they dropped to a 1-2 record.

Meanwhile, EAC-ICA nipped Letran in juniors action, 83-81.

A jumper from Clint Bonus gave the Brigadiers the lead for good with 37 seconds left. After Noel Lanceta split his charities to give EAC-ICA a two-point lead, Nathan Egea missed the potential game-winning triple as the buzzer sounds.

Kelly Coronel led his team with sixteen points while also blocking three shots, while Bonus finished with fifteen points and eight assists.

Egea led the Squires with sixteen points.

The scores:

LETRAN 84 – Cuajao 23, Santos 15, Buensalida 12, Manalili 12, Estrada 8, Gammad 6, Omega 4, Rosilio 3, Tapenio 1, Gazzingan 0

EAC 80 – Oftana 16, Quinal 16, Bagay 12, Ochavo 12, Castillo 7, 
Omandac 6, Lucero 4, Shanoda 4, Angeles 3, Loristo 0, Doria 0, Tolentino 0, Devara 0, Bacud 0, Jacob 0

Laurenaria ensure JRU stunner over San Beda

c/o NCAA

Allen Laurenaria provided the winning dramatics for Jose Rizal University, scoring the game-winner against San Beda at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Friday afternoon.

The guard drove through a wide-open lane to net his sixth point, giving the Heavy Bombers a 67-66 lead with four seconds left.

The Red Lions would have a chance to snatch the win on the final possession, but Bryan Sajonia missed his baseline jumper. The FEU transfer led the Mendiola-based squad with sixteen points. 

Head coach Nani Epondulan highlights the importance of the win, says "Malaking panalo ‘to para bigyan ng kumpyansa ‘yong team." He adds, "Lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila every practice na mas malaki man at mas athletic ‘yong ibang team, maliit lang kami pero ‘yong puso namin malaki."

Sean Salvador and Justin Lozano led JRU with fifteen and thirteen points, respectively, while Janti Miller added thirteen points for San Beda.

The Heavy Bombers seek their third win of the campaign against CSB on Sunday, while the Red Lions will seek to match that when they tangle against EAC on Tuesday, with both matches taking place in San Juan.

The scores:

JRU 67 – Salvador 15, Lozano 13, Panapanaan 9, Argente 8, Garupil 7, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 5, Sarmiento 3, Castillo 1, Benitez 0, Peñaverde 0, Duque 0

SAN BEDA 66 – Sajonia 16, Miller 13, Lina 13, Etulle 8, Gonzales 6, Reyes 4, Celzo 2, Culdora 2, Puno 2, Estacio 0, Bonzalida 0, Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Vailoces 0, Songcuya 0