UAAP: UST bounces back against UE, NU stays atop of standings in win against FEU 

For weeks, University of Santo Tomas had been haunted by the same nightmare — missed free throws, late collapses, and a slipping grip on their Final Four hopes. But on a decisive Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Growling Tigers found their cure: long-range confidence and collective composure.

Firing 11 triples and finally finding rhythm at the line, UST broke out of its slump with a 109-97 victory over University of the East, snapping a four-game losing streak and reclaiming solo fourth in the standings at 6-5 in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

“At least for one day,” as the saying goes, UST’s struggles from the stripe didn’t define its night. The Tigers went 24-of-39 on free throws and bombed away from beyond the arc to keep their Final Four ambitions alive.

Things looked to be well in hand when Echo Laure’s floater stretched the lead to 27 points, 82-55, late in the third. But in true UST fashion, the win didn’t come without a scare — UE stormed back with a spirited 28-10 run that trimmed the gap to just nine, 92-83, before the Tigers steadied themselves to the finish.

Nic Cabanero spearheaded the charge with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Collins Akowe muscled his way to 14 points and 15 boards. Yet, the unsung heroes were the supporting cast: Gelo Crisostomo (14 points, seven rebounds), Forthsky Padrigao (11 points), Amiel Acido (10 points, seven boards), and Mark Llemit (six points) all hit crucial treys that kept the Red Warriors at bay.

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UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Team Standings as of Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 19:00.
– Final Four Berth
O – Twice-to-Beat
– Eliminated
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UAAP SEASON 88 Mens Basketball
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The win catapulted UST past idle Ateneo (5-5) and Adamson (5-6) for the solo No. 4 spot — a much-needed breather in a brutal playoff chase.

For UE, it was heartbreak yet again. The Red Warriors fell to 0-12, extending their losing streak to 18 games despite another fighting performance. Wello Lingolingo tallied 18 points, Precious Momowei added 17 and 12, and rookie Dylan Despi impressed with 17 points and seven assists, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Tigers’ redemption.

A few hours later, another team flexed its playoff poise — and perhaps a championship-caliber identity.

With Jeff Napa urging his National University Bulldogs to shift into postseason mode, the squad responded with composure and grit, carving out a 70-64 win over Far Eastern University to secure at least a playoff for a top-two finish.

Jake Figueroa once again embodied NU’s balanced brilliance, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and drilling the dagger triple that put the game away, 67-61, with just over a minute left.

NU turned a late three-point deficit into a 14-4 closing run, anchored by Figueroa’s leadership and timely contributions from PJ Palacielo (10 points), Paul Francisco (9), and Reinhard Jumamoy (8) — the latter burying two clutch treys in the decisive stretch.

FEU, for its part, battled until the final horn but couldn’t overcome NU’s suffocating defense. Janrey Pasaol led the Tamaraws with 15 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, while Kirby Mongcopa chipped in 10 points, and Mo Konateh dominated the glass with 15 rebounds.

NU’s win improved its record to 9-2, keeping the Bulldogs within striking distance of a twice-to-beat advantage — and perhaps, a championship return.

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