It’s anyone’s championship: What we learned from UAAP’s hectic week 4

Four weeks into the season, and it’s looking like UAAP Season 88 will be one of the league’s most unpredictable — or at least exciting — championships in a long time. 

Both of last year’s finalists have gotten off to a rough start, albeit with different journeys. The De La Salle Green Archers suffered their second gut-punching defeat of the season against the league-leading NU Bulldogs, who look ready to become Final Four contenders. At the same time, the UP Fighting Maroons have bounced back from a horrid start to ignite a three-game winning streak to settle in the mid-table.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles, who have surprised everyone courtesy of their one-and-done trio, have lost two straight games after a historic triple overtime thriller against the UST Growling Tigers, who play like a different team freed from the shackles of their past inadequacies. 

The Adamson Soaring Falcons and FEU Tamaraws also have skills and players that can snatch a win on any given game day. The UE Red Warriors, despite their winless record, have still shown they don’t back down easily as they still try to find their identity under new head coach Chris Gavina.

Here are the updated team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s, Women’s, and U16 Basketball Tournaments after the games this weekend (October 11-12) at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym and UST Quadricentennial Pavilion #StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/SPjSD5Y23m

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) October 12, 2025

So after a momentous week 4 of the season, here’s what we’ve learned:

These Growling Tigers have more bite – and fitness

In the first triple-overtime game in the UAAP’s Final Four era, UST outlasted the Blue Eagles, 98-89. The Growling Tigers showed grit and toughness as they, predictably, tried and successfully outgunned Kymani Ladi, Jarred Bahay, and the rest of Ateneo. Whether it be in the post with foreign student-athlete (FSA) Collins Akowe, a pick-and-roll action with Forthsky Padrigao, or an isolation play with Nic Cabanero, the Growling Tigers have realized their ultimate potential on offense, and it shows statistically, with them being top 3 in almost every shooting category. The scary thing is that if all of the above become unavailable, Gelo Crisostomo, Amiel Acido, and Kyle Paranada can light any team up when given the chance.

They’ve also shown solid man defense down the stretch, restricting Ateneo from utilizing transitions and their size to get markers. They rarely initiate double teams, instead, it’s their full-court pressure that they employ in pivotal moments that helps them get crucial stops.

Gone is the UST, devoid of any fight in their bite. This is a Growling Tigers team that went to the Blue Eagles’ nest and pounced on their weaknesses, which won off of their experience in being one of the worst teams in the league. UST’s 4-1 start is a reflection of how far the program has come and what it aims to achieve this season.

Jake Figueroa is a star

Most people overlook the Bulldogs, who finished with a bronze medal for the past two seasons. More people overlook its star, Jake Figueroa, who has carried NU to a league-leading 5-1 slate.

Figueroa won’t lead the league in statistics, but he will carry his team to a win. If their game against UST wasn’t enough of an example of him being a star, then last night’s game against DLSU should be. Figueroa tallied 18 points on an efficient 7/10 shooting, led the Bulldogs en route to an 82-78 victory against last season’s finalists.

Head coach Jeff Napa’s system continues to be proven to be solid in a league as contested as the UAAP, but it’s Figueroa’s heroics that have propelled the Bulldogs into becoming serious contenders this season. The senior has lit up the league’s best and has shown no signs of stopping anytime soon. A Final Four, or even a Finals appearance, is looking more and more probable for the Bulldogs. With Figueroa at the helm, leading the team and being a disruptor on both ends, everyone should be afraid.

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