LIVE UPDATES: UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball

After leading Ateneo to title, Ange Kouame to undergo knee surgery

Ateneo center Ange Kouame is set to go under the knife after leading the Blue Eagles back to the top of the UAAP while playing through an injury.

“I’m getting surgery, the rest, I’ll leave it to God because only God has answers… Because I’m going home tonight, this thing’s gonna hurt,” said Kouame after playing his Final UAAP game on Monday in front of 21,814 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I can barely walk properly. It’s part of it. I like the process and I enjoy the game. I don’t see myself staying away from the game. Whatever’s gonna happen, gonna happen,” he added. FULL STORY

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With offers overseas, UP’s Carl Tamayo ponders next move

Carl Tamayo, one of the most sought-after collegiate players in the country, has received offers to play professionally overseas.

But the University of the Philippines forward, who still has three more remaining years in the UAAP, said he’ll take a break first and ponder his next move. FULL STORY

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Injured Zavier Lucero draws praise from UP teammates

MANILA, Philippines—Graduating forward Zavier Lucero is leaving on a high note despite University of the Philippines’ failed title retention bid in the UAAP.

Lucero, who had been ruled out of Game 3 due to a torn ACL, made a surprise appearance after he was inserted by coach Goldwin Monteverde with 0.7 tenths of a second left to shoot a technical free throw off an improper bench decorum called against Ateneo for celebrating too early in the court. FULL STORY

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[VIDEO] Ateneo Blue Eagles post-game interview after winning UAAP title

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Ateneo’s Ange Koume regains old form, wins UAAP Finals MVP

MANILA, Philippines — Ange Kouame saved the best for last as he was crowned Finals MVP after bringing Ateneo back on top in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The naturalized center ended his UAAP career with three championships. FULL STORY

Ateneo reclaims UAAP title, fends off UP in thrilling finale

Ateneo gingerly traveled the road to redemption strewn with obstacles throughout the season that the Blue Eagles cautiously removed one after the other.

With one big fight on Monday night, they finally got rid of one last hurdle and undoubtedly the biggest of them all by defeating the UP Fighting Maroons, 75-68, to reclaim the UAAP men’s basketball crown this Season 85.

The Blue Eagles leaned on one huge scoring spurt early on and weathered a late charge by the Maroons to wrap up their best-of-three series in an electrifying Game 3 atmosphere with the glitzy trophy in their hands. FULL STORY

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Tab Baldwin braces for ‘wild,’ more physical decider for UAAP crown

With a chance to regain their place atop the UAAP men’s basketball, the Ateneo Blue Eagles will leave everything on the floor as they battle University of the Philippines in another Game 3 ending for the crown on Monday.

In the Blue Eagles’ sixth consecutive finals, Baldwin is set to coach his second do-or-die UAAP championship game after winning his them against the Aldin Ayo-coached La Salle in Season 80 but losing the decider against the Fighting Maroons after a heartbreaking championship-clinching three by JD Cagulangan in May. FULL STORY

Zavier Lucero out of Game 3, tearfully tells teammates he’s ‘done’

Zavier Lucero has broken the bad news to his teammates: He will sit out of Game 3 of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament because of a knee injury.

Cavite governor Jonvic Remulla and Pato Gregorio, members of the UP management committee, told the Inquirer that Lucero made the announcement late Thursday during the team’s viewing session.

“I’m done,” Lucero was quoted by the two officials. FULL STORY

Pep talk from former Ateneo players fires up Blue Eagles

MANILA, Philippines —A visit from former Ateneo players before Game 2 lit a fire under the Blue Eagles, inspiring them to a 65-55 Game 2 victory that sent the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball Finals to a decider for the crown.

Ange Kouame and Kai Ballungay thanked the Blue Eagles–namely brothers Matt and Mike Nieto, Gian Mamuyac, Will Navarro, Tyler Tio, Raffy Verano, Anton Asistio, Adrian Wong, Vince Tolentino, and Isaac Go–who visited them in practice and watched their match live. FULL STORY

Foul trouble, not MVP award, throws Malick Diouf off his game in UP loss

MANILA, Philippines — Newly-crowned MVP Malick Diouf stressed he wasn’t affected by his top individual award after struggling for University of the Philippines in Game 2 of the UAAP men’s basketball Finals on Wednesday.

The Fighting Maroons’ title celebration got spoiled by Ateneo’s 65-55 victory that forced a winner-take-all for the championship on the same night that Diouf officially received the MVP plum.

“No. I always believe I’m the same Malick,” said Diouf, who was limited to two points after only taking two shots. He grabbed 11 rebounds. FULL STORY

From zero points in opener, Kai Ballungay gives Ateneo a solid boost in Game 2

Ateneo’s Kai Ballungay made a statement performance after being a non-factor in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball Finals on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum.

Ballungay credited physicality as his main weapon in the Game 2 victory, saying it worked wonders to force a do-or-die game three against defending champion University of the Philippines.

“We just want to be more physical than we were in Game 1 and it really showed throughout this game,” he said after the Blue Eagles’ 65-55 win that tied the series. FULL STORY

 UP faces anxious wait as Zavier Lucero set to undergo tests for knee

Zavier Lucero will undergo tests “as soon as possible” after he injured his knee in University of the Philippines Finals’ Game 2 loss to Ateneo on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Lucero drove the lane at the 8:31 mark of the fourth quarter and tweaked his left knee, making him collapse on the floor. FULL STORY

[VIDEO] Ateneo Blue Eagles post-game interview

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Ateneo beats UP in Game 2 to force decider for UAAP crown

Fans clad in deep crimson came in droves and swarmed a vast expanse of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, expecting a coronation for the UP Fighting Maroons.

They all went home disappointed.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles lived to see another day in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball Finals and stretched the championship series to the limit with a deliberate 65-55 victory over the Maroons on Wednesday night. FULL STORY

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FINAL: Ateneo forces a winner-take-all Game 3 after beating UP, 65-55. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/VOnxXbLKLE

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 14, 2022

After one-and-done UAAP season, Luis Villegas open to playing anywhere

After finishing his one-and-done year with University of the East, Luis Villegas is still exploring his next options.

Villegas, who was proclaimed a member of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament mythical five on Wednesday, revealed he is open to playing anywhere after a stellar season in the UAAP.

Kevin Quiambao returning to La Salle with goal of winning title next season

La Salle’s young star Kevin Quiambao has committed to return to the Green Archers as they try to redeem themselves in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.

The newly-crowned rookie of the year Quiambao shot down the speculations that he wasn’t returning to the Green Archers after failing to live up to the expectations this Season 85. FULL STORY

[VIDEO] UAAP Season 85 Individual awardees

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Malick Diouf officially crowned UAAP MVP, Kevin Quiambao Rookie of Year

Malick Diouf was crowned as the MVP of UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament moments before University of the Philippines tries to complete a sweep against Ateneo on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Senegalese center raised his Season 85 MVP trophy as he became the first Fighting Maroon to win the top individual honor after Bright Akhuetie earned it in Season 81 last 2018. FULL STORY

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WATCH: Diouf crowned as MVP. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/GHetZJAb7V

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 14, 2022

[VIDEO] UP Fighting Maroons post-game interview

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UP nears back-to-back UAAP titles, beats Ateneo in Finals Game 1

University of the Philippines fired too many weapons Ateneo found hard to neutralize as the Fighting Maroons seized Game 1 of their UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament championship showdown with a compelling 72-66 win on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Harold Alarcon’s corner three ignited a big run midway in the fourth, creating the much-needed separation that the Maroons were able to protect the rest of the way as the defending champions moved closer to retaining the title.

Zavier Lucero scored 14 points, pulled down 10 boards, and registered two crucial blocks, one of which became the game-changer for the Maroons, who can sweep the best-of-three series come Wednesday. FULL STORY

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WATCH: JD Cagulangan seals the win with two clutch free throws. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/pvSsbdnECs

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 11, 2022

[SCHEDULE] UAAP men’s basketball finals

Finals Game 1, December 11

6 pm, Mall of Asia Arena

Finals Game 2, December 14

6pm, Araneta Coliseum

5:30pm, men’s basketball individual awarding

Finals Game 3 December 19 (if necessary)

Time TBA, Araneta Coliseum

Ateneo has ‘DNA of underdogs’ this time in UAAP Finals rematch vs UP

While last season’s Ateneo Blue Eagles were more experienced, the current Ateneo team has the hunger and determination to bring back the championship it lost seven months ago in an epic three-game finale against University of the Philippines.

Hell-bent on bouncing back, the Blue Eagles renew their rivalry with the Fighting Maroons on Sunday in Game 1 of their best-of-three title clash. FULL STORY

[VIDEO] Ateneo Blue Eagles post-game interview

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Tab Baldwin credits Chris Koon, BJ Andrade for neutralizing Jerom Lastimosa

Limiting Adamson guard Jerom Lastimosa was the biggest key to Ateneo’s Finals-clinching 81-60 win in the UAAP Season 85 Final Four at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Lastimosa was the leading scorer for the Falcons but only finished with 10 points, allowing the Blue Eagles reach the league’s final for the sixth straight year in a dominant fashion.

In coach Tab Baldwin’s challenge, two wingmen answered the call. FULL STORY

Jerom Lastimosa admits ‘not satisfied’ with collegiate career with Final Four exit

Still uncertain if he’s playing in UAAP Season 86, Adamson’s Jerom Lastimosa said he is not entirely satisfied with his collegiate career.

Lastimosa ended Season 85 with 10 points on a lowly 26.7 percent shooting clip from the field as the Falcons ended their season with a Final Four loss to top-seed Ateneo. FULL STORY

Jeff Napa moved to tears as NU Bulldogs shed ‘losers’ tag with valiant run

National University may have been eliminated from the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball championship tournament but coach Jeff Napa is nothing but proud of his boys.

After the Bulldogs’ 69-61 loss to UP on Wednesday that ended their campaign, an emotional Napa appeared in front of the media to express gratitude for his squad.

 “I’m very proud that we turned things around. Before we were losers, now we’re winners. Although we came up short, they really proved to others that they are not losers anymore,” said Napa before bursting into tears. FULL STORY

Ateneo knocks out Adamson to set up UAAP Finals rematch vs UP

Ateneo set the stage for another titular showdown with University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament by frustrating Adamson, 81-60, in the Final Four on Wednesday night.

Forthsky Padrigao fired 16 points and Chris Koon added 15 as the Blue Eagles made short work of the fourth-seeded Falcons and prevented a make-or-break scenario in the semifinals. FULL STORY

[VIDEO] NU Bulldogs post-game interview

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UP’s Carl Tamayo says he’ll play in UAAP Finals despite ankle injury

University of the Philippines star Carl Tamayo bared he suffered a mild ankle sprain in the Fighting Maroons’ Final Four win over National University on Wednesday but assured he will be available in the finals.

The 6-foot-8 forward hurt his right ankle after landing on Jake Figueroa’s foot with 5:06 remaining in the first quarter when UP was trailing to National University, 13-7. He left the game momentarily before coming back in the final two minutes of the period. FULL STORY

Malick Diouf shrugs off MVP win as UP vies for another title

Despite being the presumptive MVP of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament, Malick Diouf does not want to be called that title just yet.

After leading the Fighting Maroons to their second straight league Finals appearance, Diouf admitted that he does not want to be referred to as the MVP. 

In his eyes, winning back-to-back titles comes first. FULL STORY

[VIDEO] UP Fighting Maroons post-game interview

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UP returns to UAAP Finals, ousts NU

Malick Diouf has the ability to erase the mistakes of his teammates and extend crucial possessions.

But the presumptive MVP this season could well accomplish way more than what he had signed up for.

Diouf’s stellar performance led the UP Fighting Maroons in hammering a 69-61 win over the National University Bulldogs on Wednesday, ushering the defending champions back to the scene of their triumph in the UAAP men’s basketball finals. FULL STORY

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WATCH: UP after beating NU in the Final Four. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/qZUp9K0cdY

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 7, 2022

UAAP SEASON 85 FINAL FOUR

[VIDEO] Adamson Falcons post-game interview

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Jerom Lastimosa, Adamson eliminate La Salle to secure Final Four berth

Jerom Lastimosa ushered the Adamson Falcons back to the Final Four after prevailing at the expense of the La Salle Green Archers, 80-76, in a make-or-break affair on Sunday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Lastimosa fired 11 of his 22 points in a crucial stretch in the third quarter that put the Falcons in the thick of the fight and sank the marginal free throws along with Joshua Yerro en route to Adamson’s return trip to the semifinals since the 2018 season. FULL STORY

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WATCH: Jerom Lastimosa and the Falcons enter the Final Four. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/iVpMdSHnsi

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 4, 2022

No major revamp for UST after UAAP-worst record; coach prefers ‘old school’ recruitment

Despite ending the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament with the worst record, University of Santo Tomas is only looking to tweak a few things in its system.

The Growling Tigers finished with a 1-13 record but coach Bal David said the team will not go through major revamps heading into Season 86.

“[We’ll do] just a slight revamp, not really a major one. Because, if you say major, that means even the coaches are included, so just slight changes. We need those changes so I’ll tell the guys to stay ready,” David explained after their season-ending loss against La Salle on Wednesday, 77-72. FULL STORY

AP Manlapaz breakout game bolsters Adamson ahead of do-or-die match

Fit-again AP Manlapaz was a silver lining in Adamson’s 66-61 loss to No.1 seed Ateneo, which sent the Falcons to a playoff for fourth place against La Salle, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Manlapaz, who was playing sparingly throughout the season due to a nagging knee injury, finally came out of his shell as he unleashed 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting in 16 minutes of play. FULL STORY

Ateneo clinches No. 1 spot, sends Adamson to playoff vs La Salle

Ateneo encountered stiff resistance before clinching the top spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament with a gut-wrenching 66-61 win over Adamson on Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ange Kouame came to the rescue with a power move off a bungled three by Dave Ildefonso before BJ Andrade’s free throws sealed the win, Ateneo’s 11th overall at the close of the 14-game elimination phase. FULL STORY

La Salle escapes UST, keeps Final Four bid alive

La Salle got its bearings in the nick of time to turn back University of Santo Tomas, 77-72, and live to fight another day in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The Archers simply watched the Tigers self-destruct in the final period while unloading a vicious firepower of their own built on the efforts of Evan Nelle, who came out with his best game yet after finishing with 25 points.

La Salle’s close shave after holding the Tigers without a field goal for over eight minutes has kept the Archers clinging for a playoff opportunity to seize the last and final spot in the Final Four. FULL STORY

With Final Four next, Carl Tamayo hopes UP learns from Ateneo loss

University of the Philippines star Carl Tamayo hopes the loss to Ateneo served as a valuable lesson for the Fighting Maroons heading into the Final Four.

UP blew a golden opportunity to lock up the top seeding following its 75-67 defeat to Ateneo on Saturday.

“We should learn after this game. We need to make these adjustments, grow as a team. Sometimes, we really just lose. The important thing is we learn from this and we bring it to the Final Four,” said Tamayo. FULL STORY

Dave Ildefonso leads second half surge as Ateneo downs UP

Dave Ildefonso fired all of his 15 points in the second half as Ateneo demolished defending champion University of the Philippines, 75-67, on Saturday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The Blue Eagles simply exploited a pair of technical fouls slapped on the Fighting Maroons late in the third period and went on a scoring binge anchored on Ildefonso’s heroics to eventually put the game to bed.

Ildefonso’s three capped Ateneo’s 12-0 breakaway, bridging the final two quarters that built a double-digit cushion and were never threatened from there. FULL STORY

Rookie Rey Remogat delivers as UE stuns La Salle in OT

The University of the East Red Warriors bowed out of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament with their heads held high.

Rookie guard Rey Remogat smelled blood in extra time and swished a clutch three with 46.1 seconds left as the Warriors frustrated the La Salle Green Archers, 80-72, in their farewell game of the season Saturday night.

Remogat magnificently poured 20 of his career-high 24 points in the second half with that heave from deep snuffing out the hopes of the Archers for good. FULL STORY

FEU looks forward to next season with L-Jay Gonzales

After an early exit in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament, Far Eastern University will look to rely more on veteran L-Jay Gonzales next season.

In FEU’s season-ender on Saturday, Gonzales led a 77-62 rout of University of Santo Tomas as the Tamaraws finished with a 5-9 record.

FEU coach Olsen Racela lauded Gonzales, who finished with a team-high 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. FULL STORY

FEU ends campaign with rout of UST

The last thing the Far Eastern University Tamaraws wanted was to end the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament the way they started it.

With pride as their consummate motivator, the Tamaraws closed out their campaign with a 77-62 beating of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

L-Jay Gonzales scored 15 points and Bryan Sajonia added 11 on FEU’s farewell game after missing the semifinals for the first time in eight seasons. FULL STORY

Jerom Lastimosa sinks game-winner, Adamson topples NU

Jerom Lastimosa normally takes countless three-point shots in practice, drilling most of them with precision in any angle he prefers.

The shifty Adamson guard casually nailed the game-clinching three with 5.5 seconds remaining on Saturday, lifting the Falcons over the National University Bulldogs, 64-63, at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. FULL STORY

Despite struggles, Dave Ildefonso still leads Ateneo to victory

Dave Ildefonso’s shooting woes did not prevent him from providing significant contributions in Ateneo’s overtime win over University of the East on Wednesday.

Ildefonso shot just 3-of-14 from the field but still made the crucial baskets, including a clutch 3-pointer to force OT while also delivering the intangibles to help Ateneo clinch its eighth straight postseason appearance and remain in contention for the last twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. FULL STORY

‘Season of inconsistencies’ for FEU as Final Four streak ends

Far Eastern University coach Olsen Racela said it has been a “season of inconsistencies” as his team’s streak of Final Four appearances ended following a loss to Adamson on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

“A season of inconsistencies. There are times we start okay but there are times we start badly. Sometimes finish strong, but sometimes we do not finish strong. Really a season of inconsistencies for us,” said Racela after his brother Nash and the Falcons dealt the Tamaraws a 75-70 defeat at Mall of Asia Arena. FULL STORY

Adamson ends FEU’s Final Four streak with crucial win

Adamson survived a hard-fighting Far Eastern University side, 75-70, to keep its hopes for a Final Four spot alive on Wednesday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Jerom Lastimosa fired 23 points after knocking down five of his eight three-point attempts as the Falcons weathered a late charge by the Tamaraws after leading by as many as 25 points early on. FULL STORY

Ateneo escapes UE in thriller to book Final Four ticket

Kai Ballungay scored 14 points and Dave Ildefonso got away with 12 points and 14 rebounds as Ateneo turned back University of the East, 69-66, in extra time to seal a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Ildefonso knotted the count at 62 with a long three that forced the extension and Ange Kouame completed their rise by exploiting the mismatch inside before Forthsky Padrigao closed it out for the Blue Eagles with a pair of free throws with 4.5 seconds left. FULL STORY

[VIDEO] La Salle Green Archers post-game interview

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La Salle turns back NU to bolster Final Four bid

Schonny Winston finally suited up for the La Salle Green Archers but didn’t get his usual minutes.

That hardly became a cause of concern for the Green Archers as they managed to pull off a 63-58 win over the National University Bulldogs on Wednesday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Penny Estacio fired all of his 13 points and even outscored the entire NU crew in the third quarter, highlighted by three triples, that created a wide gap that the Bulldogs weren’t able to overcome. FULL STORY

[VIDEO] UP Fighting Maroons post-game interview

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UP pulls away to beat UST, closes in on twice-to-beat bonus

University of the Philippines needed a fiery fourth-quarter surge before taking down the also-ran University of Santo Tomas, 78-60, to secure at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday.

The Fighting Maroons bucked a slow start in the first half, unleashing a 15-5 run in the third quarter capped by back-to-back baskets by Cyril Gonzales to build a 13-point  52-39 lead before the Growling Tigers kept them within 10 to end the quarter.

Carl Tamayo posted 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds in just 17 minutes of play to put UP on the verge of getting a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four with an improved 11-2 record. FULL STORY

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FINAL: UP (11-2) vents its ire on UST (1-11), 78-60, to secure at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/VMlw0POCRN

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 23, 2022

UAAP men’s basketball standings as of November 20

Kevin Quiambao delivers as La Salle gets back at UP

Kevin Quiambao took matters into his own hands, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the payoff period to lift La Salle past University of the Philippines, 82-80, boosting their Final Four hopes in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Quiambao, who had two points in the first half, refused to have another bad game like in their first meeting last October, taking charge in the fourth quarter and displaying nerves of steel as he sank two crucial free throws that completed the Green Archers’ comeback from a 12-point, 49-37 deficit early in the third quarter. FULL STORY

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FINAL: La Salle (5-6) snaps the seven-game winning streak of the defending champion UP (10-2) with a vengeful 82-80 victory. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/5jdGNeOXa4

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 20, 2022

Jerom Lastimosa’s brief return boosts Adamson morale in crucial win

Jerom Lastimosa only played 32 seconds on his return from a dislocated right foot but he made a huge impact on his team’s morale in their 74-64 victory over University of the East on Sunday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

“It’s the Jerom effect,” said Racela after Lastimosa’s inspiring cameo. “Just seeing him suit up in the game, seeing him shoot around, even stretch and warm up with the team, that really helps us.”

Lastimosa, who missed the last two games, returned to action with 30.4 seconds left in the second quarter as the Falcons entered the halftime break with a 42-23 spread. FULL STORY

Adamson averts meltdown to frustrate UE as Jerom Lastimosa briefly returns

Jerom Lastimosa played sparingly in a surprise return from a dislocated right foot Adamson prevented a fourth-quarter collapse to beat University of the East, 74-64, and stay in Final Four hunt in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Lastimosa, who told reporters last week that he’s unlikely to return for the remainder of the season, was fielded in with 30.4 seconds left in the second quarter as the Falcons entered the halftime break with a 42-23 spread.

The veteran guard capped his 32-second cameo with two free throws that sealed their win to improve to 5-6 in the fourth place, bouncing back from a heartbreaking loss to La Salle last Thursday. FULL STORY

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FINAL: Adamson (5-6) beats UE (4-8), 74-64, to remain in Final Four contention. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/0NcOBNvGQm

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 20, 2022

NU books UAAP Final Four return after 7 years, eliminates UST

National University finally ended a seven-year Final Four drought, securing its place in the post-season after booting University of Santo Tomas out of contention, 67-57, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament/

The Bulldogs averted a lethargic first half and unleashed a 12-0 run down the stretch, capped by John Lloyd Clemente’s dagger trey from the corner for a 64-54 lead that practically sealed the Bulldogs’ first Final Four appearance since UAAP Season 78 in 2015. FULL STORY

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FINAL: NU (9-3) returns to the Final Four after seven years after ousting UST (1-10), 67-57. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/m0eRs158OR

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 20, 2022

[VIDEO]  Ateneo post-win interview

November 20

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Ange Kouame, Ateneo rally from 19-points down to beat FEU

Ange Kouame lead Ateneo’s comeback from a 19-point deficit to avoid the upset attempt of Far Eastern University, 71-65, for its third straight victory in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Kouame willed the Blue Eagles back with 20 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and a block in erasing the Tamaraws’ 19-point lead early in the second quarter, 39-20, as he scored 10 of 13 straight points in a blistering third-quarter run. FULL STORY

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Final: Ateneo (8-3) completes a comeback from a 19-point deficit, sending FEU (4-8) to its third straight loss, 71-65. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/E8wFxdmkzJ

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 20, 2022

Ateneo whips UST to stay in hunt for twice-to-beat

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo kept itself within reach of the leaders, pulling away in the third quarter to manhandle University of Santo Tomas, 72-55, on Thursday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles outscored the Tigers, 27-10, in the third quarter to grease their path to a seventh win in 10 games.

That put Ateneo at the coattails of National U in the race for the No. 2 spot in the Final Four. FULL STORY

‘Shot from heaven’: CJ Austria’s winner shoots La Salle past Adamson

CJ Austria drained the buzzer-beating triple to lift La Salle over Adamson, 81-78, to end its four-game skid in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Austria’s last-second shot from the left wing capped the Green Archers’ 11-4 run.

“I’ve been telling the boys we can’t lose our poise out there. The shot from CJ there, it was a shot from heaven,” said La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren. FULL STORY.

La Salle picks up crucial win in UAAP’s return

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FINAL: La Salle picks up crucial win in UAAP’s return. #UAAPSeason85 pic.twitter.com/X6L5YxSAwm

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 17, 2022

UAAP men’s basketball standings as of November 5

• UP 9-1*
• NU 7-3
• Ateneo 6-3
• AdU 4-5
• UE 4-6
• FEU 4-6
• DLSU 3-6
• UST 1-8

*Final Four

No let up for UP’s Malick Diouf amid long break

Malick Diouf stood the tallest with his monstrous numbers as defending champion University of the Philippines clinched a Final Four berth and stretched its winning streak to six games in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.In a three-game stretch, Diouf set his career-high in scoring twice, helping the Fighting Maroons improve to a league-leading 9-1 record. FULL STORY

Ateneo rolls past slumping La Salle

MANILA, Philippines-Ateneo reduced its seething rivalry with La Salle to a one-sided encounter with a runaway 68-54 win on Saturday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Ange Kouame came back with a vengeance, muscling his way to 11 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks and three steals while Chris Koon scored all of his 11 points in the second half as the Blue Eagles recovered lost ground against the Green Archers in their first-round meeting. FULL STORY

NU battles back to fend off FEU

National University crawled from a deep hole before turning back Far Eastern University, 71-60, on Saturday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Patrick Yu poured 13 of his team-high 15 points in the second half when the Bulldogs made a torrid run from 19 points down to solidify their grip of solo second with a 7-3 record before the league enters a long respite. FULL STORY

Adamson escapes UST on Cedrick Manzano winner

Cedrick Manzano sneaked in a basket and sank the game-winning free throw with 7.1 seconds remaining to lift the Adamson Falcons past the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 56-55, on Saturday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Popping out of a screen, Manzano flashed in the paint and got the feed from Joaquin Jaymalin off the inbound before he got fouled as his shot trickled in that completed the Falcons’ reversal from 19 points down. FULL STORY

 UP clobbers UE, Malick Diouf dominates

University of the Philippines continued showing no mercy to its rivals, thumping University of the East, 83-69, on Saturday to move a win shy of advancing to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Malick Diouf treated the rip-roaring UP faithful at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with several highlight reels and led the defending champion Fighting Maroons to a sixth straight victory, their ninth overall in 10 games.

“The ball was moving, the defense was good. I think we just have to keep that up in order for us to win the championship,” said Diouf after posting 23 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. FULL STORY

UAAP men’s basketball standings as of November 2

UAAP: NU finally beats Ateneo, gains solo second

MANILA, Philippines—National University broke a long streak of frustration against Ateneo with a 78-74 win on Wednesday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Jolo Manansala came out of his shell, leading the Bulldogs with 17 points and 11 rebounds on top of three assists, two steals and a pair of blocks in a magnificent all-around performance. FULL STORY

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Nash Racela, Adamson prepare to miss services of two key players

With two of his key players likely out for their next game, Adamson coach Nash Racela expects the rest of the Falcons to step up as they try to bounce back in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Jerom Lastimosa and Vince Magbuhos were both wheeled off the venue in the Falcons’ 91-70 defeat to University of the Philippines on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. They are uncertain for their game against University of Santo Tomas on Saturday. FULL STORY

[VIDEO]  FEU Tamaraws post-win interview

November 2

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FEU slips past undermanned La Salle for fourth straight win

FEU rolled to its fourth straight victory at the expense of shorthanded La Salle, 57-53, on Wednesday night in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Xyrus Torres tallied 12 points and Patrick Tchuente scored all of his five points in the fourth quarter punctuated by a putback inside the final minute as the Tamaraws secured another hard-earned win after dropping their first five games. FULL STORY

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La Salle will miss five players vs FEU.

Schonny Winston is out due to calf injury. Michael Phillips will rest due to diarrhea. Raven Cortez is nursing an ankle sprain. Ice Blanco has fever, while Evan Nelle will serve his one-game suspension. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/cA7Kdma5dg

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 2, 2022

[VIDEO]  UP Fighting Maroons post-win interview

November 2

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La Salle missing five players vs FEU

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La Salle will miss five players vs FEU.

Schonny Winston is out due to calf injury. Michael Phillips will rest due to diarrhea. Raven Cortez is nursing an ankle sprain. Ice Blanco has fever, while Evan Nelle will serve his one-game suspension. @INQUIRERSports

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 2, 2022

Carl Tamayo sparks UP breakaway vs Adamson

Carl Tamayo sizzled in the third quarter as University of the Philippines shot down Adamson, 91-70, to reinforce its hold of the lead in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Unstoppable around the rim, Tamayo banged in nine of his 18 points in the pivotal third when the defending champion Fighting Maroons cut loose for good.

From a slim five-point halftime advantage, the Maroons quickly scored 11 straight points that the Falcons found no answer to seize control en route to their fifth consecutive win, UP’s eighth victory overall against a single defeat. FULL STORY

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FINAL: Defending champion UP (8-1) trounces Adamson (3-5), 91-70, to extend its win streak to five.

Malick Diouf posted a career-high 20 points on top of eight rebounds and five steals. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/fRsVLtFbiH

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 2, 2022

[VIDEO]  UE Red Warriors post-win interview

November 2

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UE dumps UST to snap 3-game skid

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FINAL: UE (4-5) vents its ire on UST(1-7), 81-51, to snap a three-game skid. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/vCHKegJE1k

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 2, 2022

CJ Payawal buried five threes and hit all of his 17 points in the second half as University of the East defeated University of Santo Tomas, 81-51, on Wednesday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Luis Villegas scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half that prepared the stage for the 30-point blowout and eventually snapped the Warriors’ three-game slide. FULL STORY

With things looking up, Tamaraws make late UAAP Final Four push

Revitalized after three wins in a row, FE  Tamaraws have left behind a degrading trail of setbacks and are looking at a resurgence that could hopefully take them all the way to the Final Four of Season 85 of the UAAP men’s basketball championship.

Kicking off the season with a loathsome 0-5 record, the Tamaraws are now the second hottest team in the league after defending champion University of the Philippines, which has won four straight for a stranglehold of the lead at 7-1. FULL STORY

UAAP men’s basketball standings as of October 31

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The defending champions tighten their hold of the top spot early in the second round. #UAAPSeason85 pic.twitter.com/6yRWUxXTn0

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 31, 2022

NU showed desire, effort to win despite loss to UP, says Jeff Napa

National University coach Jeff Napa lamented his team’s inability to finish strong after faltering in the fourth quarter against University of the Philippines on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I think we only played for 30 minutes. We failed to deliver in the last four minutes. That’s what dictated the game. I told them this game is for 40 minutes Then, our turnovers killed us during the last stretch,” said Napa after a 75-63 loss to the Fighting Maroons. FULL STORY

Cyril Gonzales’ big game no surprise to UP coach Goldwin Monteverde

University of the Philippines coach Goldwin Monteverde was not surprised that Cyril Gonzales delivered in big moments to beat National University, 75-63, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gonzales was a big revelation for the Fighting Maroons, draining 12 of his 15 points in the payoff period, including a dagger 3-pointer with 47.3 seconds remaining as the Fighting Maroons got back at their first-round tormentor.

Subbing in Gonzales, who has been his player since high school at Nazareth School of NU, for Harold Alarcon in crunch time wasn’t exactly a gamble for Monteverde. FULL STORY

Cyril Gonzales gives big lift as UP gets back at NU

Cyril Gonzales was in a zone as University of the Philippines got back at National University, 75-63, on Sunday night for a firm grip of the lead in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The defense-oriented guard turned up his offense this time, delivering 12 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter highlighted by a huge dagger of a three with 47.3 seconds left that pierced through the heart of the Bulldogs.

“I just did what I have to do. My offense was just a bonus,” said Gonzales, who only scored a total of nine points in his first six games. FULL STORY 

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FINAL: Defending champion UP (7-1) fends off NU (5-3), 75-63, to bounce back from its first round loss and claim solo lead in the #UAAPSeason85 men's basketball tournament. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/Qm53t3UXhQ

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 30, 2022

Talk with Olsen Racela fuels Xyrus Torres’ breakout game

Drawing much-needed motivation from his coach, Xyrus Torres came out of his shell for Far Eastern University at the start of the second round of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The third-year winger shot the lights out with six triples to finish with a game-high 22 points and had five steals in leading FEU’s 75-68 comeback victory over University of the East for their third straight win on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. FULL STORY

FEU comes back to beat UE

Far Eastern University scaled the heights of a deep hole and turned back University of the East, 75-68, on Sunday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Down by 15 in the first half, the Tamaraws transformed the deficit into a 14-point advantage built on the timely snipings of Xyrus Torres, Bryan Sajonia and L-Jay Gonzales while forcing the Warriors into a maze of costly turnovers on the other end.

Torres had six threes and five steals to finish with 22 points and Patrick Tchuente chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds, his uncontested two-handed slam in the final minute capping FEU’s third win in a row after a 0-5 start. FULL STORY

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FINAL: FEU (3-5) earns its third straight victory after pulling off a come-from-behind 75-68 win over UE (3-5) to open its second round campaign on a high note. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/GMqmw5cR67

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 30, 2022

UAAP Season 85 Stats Leaders, MVP Race

La Salle’s Schonny Winston leads MVP race

La Salle star Schonny Winston emerged as the top MVP contender after the first round of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The Filipino-American guard, the number one scorer in the league averaging 21.29 points through the first round, is currently the statistical leader with 84.429 statistical points (SPs). He also averaged 6.14 rebounds, 3.57 assists, and 3.0 steals through the first seven games of the season. FULL STORY

UAAP resumes games on October 30

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The #UAAPSeason85 will resume today at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Women’s basketball:
8 am – UE vs FEU
10 am – UP vs NU

Men’s basketball:
2 pm – UE vs FEU
4 pm – UP vs NU | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/TH60ckK0CY

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 30, 2022

The UAAP badminton will also push through at Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Quezon City.

Bulldogs brace for a tough game as they attempt to repeat over Maroons

Throughout the first round, it was only the NU Bulldogs that managed to bite a chunk out of the seeming invincibility surrounding defending UAAP men’s basketball champion UP.

It was also NU which had one of the most unexpected losses to end the halfway point of classification, a very ugly one to a regarded lightweight, the sting of that the Bulldogs will take heading into a return match with the Fighting Maroons.

And coach Jeff Napa is bracing for the best that UP could offer. And needless to say, he would want his Bulldogs to come into the 4 p.m. match at Smart Araneta Coliseum—weather permitting, of course—ready for “a dogfight.” FULL STORY

 UAAP postpones Saturday games due to #PaengPH

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READ: The UAAP cancels the afternoon games for both the men's basketball and women's badminton tournaments due to Typhoon #PaengPH. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/WNlTtXj58w

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 29, 2022

The UAAP has decided to postpone the men’s basketball matches and the women’s badminton opener on Saturday amid the heavy rains and strong winds caused by Tropical Storm Paeng.

However, the two women’s basketball games, scheduled early Saturday, pushed through at Smart Araneta Coliseum. FULL STORY

Updates on Tropical Storm Paeng here.

Bal David says coaches to blame for UST’s tough first round

UST has had the most forgettable first round in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament so far.

It has just one win to show so far in the tournament, a 69-60 victory over Adamson behind Nic Cabanero’s 33-point explosion. And even that win is something that new Tigers coach Bal David attributes to good fortune.

“I think we got lucky against Adamson,” David, the former UST star and a PBA legend, said. “We weren’t scouted yet.” FULL STORY

Schedule of games – October 29

Smart Araneta Coliseum

2pm – La Salle Green Archers vs UST Growling Tigers
4pm – Adamson Falcons vs Ateneo Blue Eagles

FULL UAAP SEASON 85 MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE HERE.

La Salle guard Evan Nelle gets one game suspension

La Salle will clash with University of Santo Tomas on Saturday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament without one of its top playmakers.

Evan Nelle was slapped with a one-game suspension following an unsportsmanlike foul–his third of the season–in the Green archers’ 86-84 loss to Adamson last Saturday at the 2:13 mark of the first quarter. FULL STORY

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball second round

Top UAAP teams gear up for second round, with danger lurking below

The UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament enters a pivotal juncture, and that’s why the Ateneo Blue Eagles probably met the in-between-rounds break with a slight groan.

There’s a lot more work to put in before the second phase of the eliminations starts.

“The more preparation time you give our coaching staff, the better off we are; and players don’t always like that because they know it’s a grind,’’ said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. FULL STORY

FEU gets ‘big confidence booster’ with upset of NU

L-Jay Gonzales sliced through the teeth of National University’s defense with 17.6 seconds remaining as Far Eastern University escaped with a 47-44 victory on Sunday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Gonzales scooted past Steve Nash Enriquez off the dribble and scooped the shot that pegged the count and eventually nailed the second straight win of the Tamaraws after triumph eluded them in their first five outings.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without the trust of my coaches. It wasn’t for me, that shot was for my team,” said Gonzales. FULL STORY

Ateneo pulls away in 2nd half to beat UE

Ateneo caught University of East off guard in a blistering assault after emerging from the halftime dugout to prevail, 91-76, and stay within range of the leaders in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The Blue Eagles quickly unloaded a 17-0 blitz right with Dave Ildefonso, Ange Kouame and Forthsky Padrigao doing heavy damage while leaving the Red Warriors without a single field goal in six minutes.

Ildefonso tallied 20 points after playing a vital role in that rough and tumble attack where Ateneo’s lead swelled to the point of no return to end the first-round eliminations carrying a second-best, 5-2 record. FULL STORY

Jerom Lastimosa, Adamson overcome La Salle in OT

Jerom Lastimosa erupted for 29 points as Adamson outlasted La Salle in a tiring back-and-forth battle of attrition, 86-84, on Saturday night in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Vince Magbuhos swished the three that put the Falcons ahead by two before Adamson clamped down on the Green Archers the rest of the way to close out the first round of elimination with a crucial win, their third in seven games. FULL STORY

FEU dominates UST to finally end losing slide

Far Eastern University supporters arrived in droves expecting a big celebration and got what they came for.

Bryan Sajonia provided that spark of hope and energized the Tamaraws in their breakthrough win at the expense of the University of Santo Tomas, 75-60, on Wednesday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

“We’re really thankful for the support of the FEU community. It made a difference,’’ said Sajonia. FULL STORY

UP fends off UE for share of lead

University of the Philippines encountered the resistance it hardly anticipated from University of the East before pulling off an 84-77 victory for a share of the lead in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Zavier Lucero steadied the Fighting Maroons with a three-point play that gave them a 10-point cushion with 42.8 seconds remaining and sealed their fifth win in six games by sinking their free throws along the way.

Carl Tamayo scored 13 points before twisting his right ankle in the dying seconds while playmaker Terrence Fortea and defensive ace Gerry Abadiano made good account of themselves as the Maroons fended off UE’s late charge. FULL STORY

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Kai Ballungay stars as Ateneo gets back on track with win over Adamson

Ateneo clipped the wings of Adamson early en route to an emphatic 76-55 win on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles made short work of the Falcons, hastily unleashing a scoring binge at the onset of the third quarter anchored on Kai Balungay before pulling away for good in notching their fourth win after six games.

Balungay tallied a career-high 21 points on eight of 10 field-goal shooting as the Blue Eagles recovered lost ground from a previous forgettable rematch with the UP Fighting Maroons that ended in despair.

NU outlasts La Salle to push win streak to four games

MANILA, Philippines–National University brought down another crown contender in La Salle, 80-76, on Wednesday to maintain its hold of the lead in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Omar John threw his weight around the paint, scoring on a dunk off a feed by Steve Nash Enriquez and finding himself unchallenged in the next sequence that stretched the Bulldogs’ advantage to eight inside the final two minutes. FULL STORY

Carl Tamayo, UP edge Ateneo in OT

Carl Tamayo proved his worth in another cliffhanger as UP downed Ateneo in overtime, 76-71, on Sunday night in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Tamayo scored six of his game-high 20 points in extra time, including a three-point play triggered by Ange Kouame’s goaltending that put the Fighting Maroons ahead by five inside the final two minutes.

Forthsky Padrigao pulled the Blue Eagles within two with a long three that bound off the rim before trickling in before Tamayo and Malick Diouf sealed UP’s fourth win in five games for a share of the lead with the NU Bulldogs. FULL STORY

Strong third quarter helps UE beat UST

MANILA, Philippines—University of the East banked on a dizzying third-quarter blitz and the ejection of Adama Faye to topple University of the Santo Tomas, 78-68, on Sunday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Luis Villegas had 17 points and 13 rebounds in a breakout performance, but it was the needed spark from Frederic Antiporda in the third that propelled the Red Warriors to notch their second straight win.

“I’m grateful to my teammates. They were persistent with me. I just let the game come and it worked out,” said Villegas. FULL STORY

NU gains solo lead, escapes Adamson

National University gained solo leadership in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament after squeezing past Adamson, 58-54, on Saturday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Michael Malonzo gave the Bulldogs a five-point cushion with less than a minute to go before watching the Falcons botch several opportunities in a failed effort to turn everything around. FULL STORY

La Salle dominates winless FEU in bounce back victory

MANILA, Philippines–La Salle was left dumbstruck when last season’s victory-deprived team managed to put the Green Archers on the ropes and eventually brought them down.

The Archers knew better this time, extra cautious of another possible upset against a winless squad before downing the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 87-70, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

“That UE loss was a big lesson for us and as I’ve said we cannot take things lightly,’’ said La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren. FULL STORY.

UAAP: Vince Magbuhos career-high propels Adamson past FEU

The Adamson Falcons are constantly finding their bearings.

For the second consecutive outing, the Falcons seemed to be doing something right after bringing down the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in a methodical 76-65 win on Wednesday evening at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. FULL STORY. 

Paranada brothers take charge as UE upsets La Salle

Kyle Paranada shot the lights out in cold blood to send University of the East past La Salle, 81-74, in a whirlwind finish Wednesday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The cat-quick Paranada poured 13 of his team-high 20 points near the end of the fourth as the Red Warriors rose from eight points down with six minutes left and turned back the highly favored Green Archers following the latter’s conquest of arch rival Ateneo Blue Eagles.

“This is a big confidence-booster for us because La Salle is a big team and possibly a championship team,’’ said Paranada, who banked the go-ahead basket in transition that triggered the upset inside the final two minutes. FULL STORY. 

Ateneo rebounds with demolishing of UST

Ateneo needed only a short burst of gunfire in a cold stretch fresh in the second half to demolish University of the Santo Tomas, 79-52, on Wednesday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Forthsky Padrigao helped the Blue Eagles extricate themselves from a stiff skirmish with the Growling Tigers together with Dave Ildefonso and Kai Balungay in redeeming themselves from a piercing defeat recently against arch nemesis La Salle. FULL STORY. 

[VIDEO] Ateneo Blue Eagles post-game interview after losing to La Salle

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[VIDEO] La Salle Green Archers post-game interview after beating Ateneo

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La Salle beats rival Ateneo for first time in 5 years

Schonny Winston came through in the clutch with a pair of key jumpers as the De La Salle Green Archers shot down the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 83-78, on Sunday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Winston pulled up with a short stab that gave them a breather and dropped in a floater from the corner to put the Archers comfortably ahead by six before La Salle’s defensive crackdown doomed the Blue Eagles for good.

Evan Nelle, instrumental for pushing La Salle ahead and restraining Forth Padrigao all game long, swished a pair free throws to ice the win, the Green Archers first since the Game 2 of the Season 80 finals that Ateneo won five years ago. FULL STORY. 

NU beats UST in thriller as Clemente, Baclaan take over

The National University Bulldogs didn’t like the way they were pushed around by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a recent defeat.

Jhon Lloyd Clemente and Jhay Baclaan made sure they won’t be bullied again in leading the Bulldogs to a nerve-wracking 69-63 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Sunday in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tourney.

Clemente sealed NU’s second victory in three games by sinking four free throws inside the final minute that preserved the game-long brilliance of Baclaan against his former team. FULL STORY. 

UP holds off FEU with strong finish led by Carl Tamayo

MANILA, Philippines–University of the Philippines weathered Far Eastern University’s fierce fightback with a strong finish for a 73-67 victory that kept the defending champions at the top of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball ladder last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Carl Tamayo found his range in a key stretch, scoring half of his 16 points in the fourth while Terrence Fortea knocked down all of his five threes and finished with a career high 17 points in the unbeaten Fighting Maroons’ third straight win. FULL STORY. 

Adamson scores first win, dominates UE

Adamson University fought a pair of suspenseful games and narrowly lost them both.

The Falcons finally got over the hump, riding on Lenda Douanga and Vince Magbuhos near the end to complete a 74-61 mastery of the University of the East Warriors on Saturday at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Douanga’s two-hand jam followed by a couple of timely incursions around the rim provided the breather while Magbuhos sealed their first win of the season in three games with a power move inside and an explosive three after missing his first eight attempts from afar. FULL STORY. 

Ange Kouame, Ateneo crush NU for 2-0 start

Exceptional circumstances happen to the Ateneo Blue Eagles whenever Ange Kouame asserts his dominance on the floor.

The Blue Eagles rode on the shoulders on Kouame and their magnificent shooting to whip the National University Bulldogs, 77-60, on Wednesday night in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The bruising behemoth barreled his way to 17 points and 12 rebounds while Forthsky Padrigao buried threes during the crucial stretches and finished with 13 points, his efficiency rubbing off to the rest of the Blue Eagles. FULL STORY. 

La Salle clobbers UST to pick up first win

The De La Salle Green Archers bounced back in a big way on Wednesday night, cutting the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers to pieces in an emphatic 83-63 win at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Deschon Winston executed another prolific outing, scoring 19 points in an all-around effort for the Green Archers that more than efficiently covered for the absence of Evan Nelle, who has been nursing a fever. READ FULL STORY.

UE ends long skid, beats FEU

Expect an entirely different University of the East Red Warriors this UAAP Season 85.

The transformation officially began on Wednesday when the Warriors trounced the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 76-66, at the Philsports Arena, ending a long, frustrating slide of 15 straight games dating back the past two seasons.

Playmaker Kyle Paranada went to town by firing five threes and finishing 25 points for the Warriors, whose breakthrough victory erased a season-opening heartbreaker against the NU Bulldogs. READ FULL STORY.

Forthsky Padrigao steps up to lead Ateneo past FEU

Forthsky Padrigao produced a stat line worthy of taking up the torch for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

The shifty guard knocked down a crucial three from way out with 38.5 seconds remaining, helping the Blue Eagles topple the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 79-70, and open the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament with aplomb on Sunday night. READ FULL STORY.

Under fire, Kean Baclaan keeps focus on adjusting to NU

Rookie Kean Baclaan wants to let his game do the talking after taking flak when he took a U-turn from playing for University of Santo Tomas in the preseason to enrolling at National University two months before the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The highly-touted rookie had a fine debut with eight points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals to help NU beat University of the East, 77-70, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

With high expectations, Baclaan keeps his focus on adjusting with the Bulldogs. FULL STORY. 

NU banks on strong 4th quarter to beat UE

MANILA, Philippines-Jake Figueroa herded National University to a strong finish for a 77-70 thrashing of the University of the East in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Figueroa scattered eight of his 14 points when it mattered most as the Bulldogs pulled away for good after the Red Warriors mounted a dizzying third-quarter surge. FULL STORY. 

UAAP: Rookie jitters get the better of Kevin Quiambao in La Salle debut

Kevin Quiambao was quick to pin his struggles on rookie jitters.

The crafty La Salle forward finished with five points, four rebounds and four assists in the Green Archers’ 72-69 loss to defending champion University of the Philippines Saturday night.

“The start to my season was bad,” he told reporters in Filipino. “I guess I’ll just have to treat this as a lesson.” FULL STORY. 

[VIDEO] UP Fighting Maroons post-game interview after 72-69 win

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Carl Tamayo, UP frustrate La Salle anew in comeback win

Carl Tamayo calmly buried two game-clinching free throws in the dying seconds as University of the Philippines opened its title-retention bid with a come-from-behind 72-69 win over La Salle on Saturday night at the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

Tamayo’s freebies with four ticks left completed the Fighting Maroons climb from a hole reminiscent of their conquest of the Green Archers in the Final Four last season. FULL STORY

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Minus veterans, Nic Cabañero emerges for UST

University of Santo Tomas head coach Bal David was hardly surprised when Nic Cabañero took charge and exploded for a career-high 33 points to kick off their UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament campaign on a high note.

The sophomore guard, who is turning 19 on Monday, showed maturity beyond years by leading the way in the Growling Tigers’ 69-60 win over the Adamson Falcons on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena. FULL STORY. 

[VIDEO]  UST Growling Tigers post-game interview after 69-60 win

October 1

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Inspired by the ’93 UST team, young Tigers show promise

New UST coach Bal David wore a smile of a giddy kid when asked about his charges wearing a near-exact copy of the 1993 Growling Tigers uniform.

Understandably so. He was, after all, part of that fabled squad that blew away the competition and swept the men’s basketball tournament—one of the only four schools to pull off such a feat.

And then it hit him: There’s also immense pressure that comes with the reference, especially considering the crop of players that he has. FULL STORY. 

Nic Cabanero drops career-best 33 to lift UST past Adamson in opener

University of Santo Tomas has found a new king tiger in its lair.

Nic Cabanero fired a career-high 33 points, including the insurance basket with 41.6 seconds left, to propel the Growling Tigers to a 69-60 win at the start of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday. FULL STORY. 

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UAAP Season 85 preview: UP Maroons face tall order against souped-up competition

University of the Philippines earned its opponents’ respect after ending a 36-year championship drought. But the two squads it took down last season to make history, Ateneo and La Salle, are out to redeem themselves as the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament tips off on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons, who used to be pushovers in the past decades before becoming contenders in the league for the last three seasons, are now being hunted by seven other teams after JD Cagulangan capped their epic Season 84 with a history-making triple to dethrone the Blue Eagles in Finals Game 3 last May. READ FULL PREVIEW.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball first round