UAAP Takeaways: UST, DLSU grab crucial wins near end of first round

UAAP Season 88’s first round is almost over, and we have a clearer picture of what we can expect in the second round.

The UST Growling Tigers continue to impress everyone after moving past the FEU Tamaraws, 92-80, while the DLSU Green Archers still look shaky but snatch a win nonetheless against the cellar-dwelling UE Red Warriors, 111-110.

The Tigers did not look at all like a team that had just played in three overtimes against a tough Ateneo Blue Eagles squad on Wednesday. They stood bucket-to-bucket with FEU until a long-range explosion in the final frame secured them the win. 

If there were a sixth man of the season award in the UAAP, Kyle Paranada would be the frontrunner as he continues to be UST’s firecracker off the bench after leading them with 19 points and four assists. Nic Cabanero and Gelo Crisostomo followed with 14 points apiece, while Collins Akowe did his join with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite the loss, Janrey Pasaol continued to be FEU’s star after tallying 22 points, five boards, and eight assists. Mo Konateh remained a consistent presence with 19 points and 11 boards, but also turned the ball over seven times. Kirby Mongcopa and Jorick Bautista tallied in double digits but failed to make their mark down the stretch.

Jacob Cortez showed flashes of his San Beda form after spearheading the Green Archers with 26 points and five assists, followed by steady contributors in Earl Abadam and Mike Philipps, who had 18 points apiece.

Precious Momowei had his best game in the UAAP after exploding for 42 points and 13 rebounds. Despite John Abate and Wello Lingolingo’s 20-point efforts, the rest of the UE Warriors were nowhere to be found on offense.

TIGERS’ BEST START IN 🔟YEARS 🏀

With their 92-80 win over the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, the UST Growling Tigers raced to their best start since 2015.

The Tigers’ lone loss this season came against the NU Bulldogs, who also handed UST its only first-round defeat 10 years ago. pic.twitter.com/FRFlAdYDFg

— Varsitarian Sports (@VSportsUST) October 15, 2025

Everyone gets a fair share of the spotlight at UST

UST is what everyone thought the Green Archers would be before the season. They have the deepest roster in the league, at least offensively. UST’s offense is ever-changing in that everyone gets a fair share of the ball and the scoring load, a far cry from the España-based squad’s past offensive philosophies.

Cabanero, in his senior season, is arguably at his peak form in the deepest roster he has ever been in. It is also a testament to head coach Pido Jarencio’s willingness to formulate starting lineups that have helped some of the Tigers to build their confidence. 

Isaac Danting was included in the starting lineup after being an afterthought in the last game against Ateneo, and immediately drilled two three-pointers to start the game. Daunting, alongside Mark Llemit and Amiel Acido, are the type of players that contenders need in the late stages of the Final Four that can space the floor and knock down shots that count the most. The Growling Tiger has the tools to break their championship slump, but it will be up to them if they can learn how to use them effectively when it matters the most.

Can Topex Robinson and the Green Archers steady their aim?

Escape is too strong a word to use when describing winners of overtime games, but in this instance, it is justified. UE outplayed the Green Archers for most of the game. DLSU just managed to eke out the win due to clutch buckets from Cortez. The win, however, is marred with dismay as Kean Baclaan suffered an MCL tear after going after a loose ball near the end of regulation. Baclaan joins Amos on the sidelines for the rest of the season as DLSU is still looking to find its footing after a below-standard start to the season.

UPDATE:
Kean Baclaan has been ruled out for the rest of UAAP Season 88 with an MCL tear — the same injury sustained by Mason Amos last Sunday.

The Green Archers are now down to 14 active players. #UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/uo3OfWOCRL

— Take Aim (@TakeAimLS) October 16, 2025

This is now Cortez’s time to step up and become one of DLSU’s stars alongside Philipps. The former San Beda star has shown flashes of his brilliance this season, but has not been consistent enough to be Taft’s main scoring option.

Amos and Baclaan’s injuries give a chance for head coach Topex Robinson to focus the team’s offensive sets on Phillips and Cortez. The Green Archers were thought to have the most loaded roster before this season, but now, they are left with only 14 players for the rest of the season. It may be easy to count La Salle out of the Final Four after what has happened, but we must not forget that their King Archer still wants to end his collegiate career on a high note.

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