UAAP Season 88 Final Four race tightens as elimination round nears finish

The race to the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final Four is reaching its boiling point, with only two semifinal spots left up for grabs as the elimination round enters its final stretch. As of November 19, 2025, five teams remain in the hunt, setting up one of the most dramatic season-endings in recent memory.

NU, UP Secure Early Final Four Berths

National University (NU) continues to set the pace atop the standings with an 11–2 record, officially clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. The Bulldogs once again showcased their late-game composure after escaping Adamson, 66–65, on November 8. Jake Figueroa posted 13 points, while Mark Parks added 10. Omar John delivered the game’s defining play, grabbing a crucial rebound that led to the decisive three-point conversion.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons also secured a Final Four slot, holding a 9–3 record. UP remains one of the most resilient teams this season, showing poise in close contests, including an 89–88 thriller against UST on November 5. Harold Alarcon knocked down a turnaround jumper with 24 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Five Teams Fight for Two Spots

With NU and UP safely through, the battle for the remaining two Final Four seats has intensified between:

• UST Growling Tigers (7–5)  
• De La Salle Green Archers (6–6)  
• Adamson Soaring Falcons (6-7)  
• FEU Tamaraws (5-7)  
• Ateneo Blue Eagles (5-7)  

See the updated standings for the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s, Women’s, and 16U Basketball Tournaments after the games today, Nov. 18, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Watch the games live on One Sports, UAAP Varsity Channel, and on the Pilipinas Live app.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/bt0CTf0aX3

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) November 19, 2025

UST remains in the strongest position among the contenders at 7–5, with Collins Akowe continuing to dominate the paint. The rookie big man delivered 26 points and 16 rebounds against UP, although a late turnover dashed their upset bid.

La Salle, meanwhile, is clinging to its Final Four hopes at 6–6. Their situation worsened after suffering an 84–83 loss to FEU on November 16, followed by a heartbreaking 61–60 defeat to Adamson on November 19. Matt Erolon led Adamson in crunch time to keep the Falcons alive.

Ateneo’s path grew more difficult after the Blue Eagles fell to UP, 79–75, on November 19. Despite strong showings from Jared Bahay (21 points) and Kymani Ladi (17), Ateneo crumbled in the final minutes, placing their semifinal hopes in jeopardy.

Key Games That Shifted the Race

Several matches over the past two weeks have dramatically reshaped the standings:

• NU vs. Adamson (Nov. 8): NU clinches Final Four berth, 66–65. 
• UP vs. UST (Nov. 5): UP wins a thriller, 89–88. 
• La Salle vs. FEU (Nov. 16): FEU pulls off an 84–83 upset. 
• Ateneo vs. UP (Nov. 19): UP closes strong to win 79–75. 
• Adamson vs. La Salle (Nov. 19): Adamson survives 61–60 to stay alive. 

These results have produced one of the most crowded standings in recent UAAP history, with momentum swinging sharply between contenders.

What’s at Stake in the Remaining Games

With only a handful of elimination games left, every matchup carries implications:

• UST faces critical games against NU and FEU — wins could cement their spot, losses could drag them into tie-break scenarios. 
• La Salle must win out, especially in matchups against UP and Ateneo, to stay in contention. 
• Adamson and FEU need strong finishes to force their way into the Final Four. 
• Ateneo, running out of room for error, must recover quickly to keep its streak of Final Four appearances alive. 

The Bottom Line

As of November 19, the picture is clear: NU and UP are firmly locked in, but the field chasing them is wide open. UST, La Salle, Adamson, FEU, and Ateneo are still in play, and with the elimination round winding down, fans can expect tight finishes, potential tie-breakers, and high-pressure basketball in the days ahead.

What was once seen as a predictable Final Four race has turned into a chaotic, thrilling sprint to the finish — and the drama is far from over.

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