UAAP: UST’s big three, Ateneo’s Ladi, and NU Bulldog Manansala headline best performers for Week 2

The UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament is only two weeks old, but several players have already made their mark with game-changing performances that pushed their teams to strong starts.

University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, and National University have all emerged as early leaders, thanks in large part to the standout efforts of their top performers.

Akowe powers UST

Rookie big man Collins Akowe continued to impress for UST, nearly putting up a 20-20 outing with 20 points, 19 rebounds, one assist, and one block in the Growling Tigers’ breakthrough win against La Salle and before against defending champions UP, he put up 29 points and 17 rebounds.

His dominance inside the paint earned him the first Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week honor this season. Akowe also showed progress at the free throw line, hitting 4-of-5 charities, a sign that the Nigerian freshman still has more room to grow.

Ladi leads Ateneo’s charge

For Ateneo, one-and-done forward Kymani Ladi has been the spark. He tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds in their win over UE before following it up with 14 points, five boards, two assists, two steals, and one block against Adamson.

Coach Tab Baldwin, however, believes Ladi can be even better. “Defenses now will be smarter in collapsing on him and he should focus more in sharing the rock,” Baldwin reminded his prized recruit.

GREEN AND GOLD BATTLE

Get ready for another exciting UAAP Season 88 hoops showdown! FEU battles DLSU, while UST goes head-to-head with NU in both men’s and women’s basketball this Wednesday in España.#LegendsStartHere #UAAPSeason88 #StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/0vh7bKQzkS

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 30, 2025

Manansala’s steady play lifts NU

While much of the attention goes to star Jake Figueroa, veteran Jolo Manansala has quietly stepped up for National University. He delivered 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in their victory over FEU.

His steady presence has kept the Bulldogs unbeaten, showing that NU has more than one reliable leader in the lineup.

Cabanero breaks loose

UST also rode the hot hand of Nic Cabanero, who exploded for a season-best 27 points, along with six rebounds and a handful of defensive stats, in their victory over La Salle.

The win snapped UST’s 16-game losing streak against the Green Archers, with Cabanero showing renewed confidence after his stint with the national team. Though he has yet to make a three-pointer this season (0-for-8), his relentless drives to the basket have made him nearly unstoppable.

Padrigao returns in control

Back in the fold after serving a suspension, Forthsky Padrigao proved his value as UST’s court general. He posted 12 points, nine assists, three steals, and three rebounds against La Salle, keeping the Growling Tigers composed in the second half.

Beyond his usual playmaking, Padrigao’s improved on-ball defense stood out as he disrupted La Salle’s rhythm throughout the game. 

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