UAAP Week 7: UST surges into NU clash, La Salle seeks redemption vs FEU

The intensity heats up in UAAP Season 88 as Week 7 tips off this October 1 with two pivotal matchups: UST aiming to extend its streak against NU at 4:30 p.m., and La Salle looking to bounce back with authority in the 2 p.m. opener against FEU.

UST riding high into NU showdown

The Growling Tigers enter the contest brimming with confidence, fresh off a thrilling 93-84 comeback victory that snapped a near-decade-long skid against La Salle. That win came on the heels of a dominant 20-point rout of defending champion UP, solidifying UST’s credentials as a serious contender this season.

Rookie foreign student-athlete Collins Akowe was a force inside in their last outing, posting 20 points and 19 rebounds, while Nic Cabañero once again spearheaded the attack with 27 points on 55 percent shooting. Sophomore forward Amiel Acido chipped in 13 markers, and senior guard Forthsky Padrigao impressed in his season debut after a one-game suspension, tallying 12 points, 9 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Their next challenge is the NU Bulldogs, who themselves are in fine form after back-to-back double-digit wins — a 72-57 opening weekend triumph over UE followed by an 84-68 drubbing of FEU.

Returning big man Omar John nearly notched a double-double with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting and 9 rebounds in their last win, while graduating star Jake Figueroa delivered a steady 13-7-5 line. Jolo Manansala also came close to a double-double with 13 points and 9 boards, underscoring NU’s depth and balance. After a disappointing seventh-place finish last season, the Bulldogs are eager to prove they belong back in the upper tier.

For UST, rebounding dominance and inside scoring will be key, while NU will look to disrupt the Tigers’ rhythm with its trademark defense and perimeter firepower.

Here are the team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s, Women’s, and U16 Basketball Tournaments after the games this weekend (September 27–28) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/P2Ic8bhJ6L

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) September 28, 2025

La Salle out for redemption vs FEU

The Green Archers, meanwhile, are out to redeem themselves after falling to UST in a game that exposed lapses in focus and execution. Head coach Topex Robinson is expected to demand a sharper, more disciplined effort against the FEU Tamaraws.

Jacob Cortez paced La Salle with 17 points, three rebounds, and two assists in the loss, while Earl Abadam added 11. Big man Mike Phillips was limited offensively with just eight points on 4-of-10 shooting, but he still hauled down 15 rebounds and dished out four assists. The Archers currently sit at 1-1, tied with Adamson at fourth place.

FEU, however, is no pushover. The Tamaraws thrive on pace and outside shooting, as shown by Kirby Mongcopa’s career-best 16 points — including three triples — and eight rebounds in their previous game. Janrey Pasaol matched that output with 16 points and six assists, while Jorick Bautista contributed 15 markers and three boards. Their ability to spread the floor and move the ball will test La Salle’s defense.

What’s at stake

For UST, extending their streak over NU would reinforce their status as one of the league’s hottest teams placing them with Ateneo as the only teams with a 3-0 standing, For NU it would give them the same outcome. For La Salle, a dominant win over FEU could reset their campaign and restore momentum before the season enters its decisive stretch.

With Final Four positioning beginning to take shape, every possession counts — and October 1 could prove to be a turning point for both the Tigers and the Archers. 

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