UAAP: Bautista’s late heroics lift FEU past Ateneo; Alarcon sparks UP’s bounce-back win over NU in Round 2 

In a night that showcased composure and clutch shot-making, Jorick Bautista and Harold Alarcon took center stage in separate thrillers to headline Wednesday’s UAAP Season 88 action at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Bautista breaks Ateneo’s heart again

For the second straight season, Jorick Bautista was the name that haunted Ateneo.

The 6-foot guard buried two dagger three-pointers in the final 90 seconds to lift Far Eastern University to a come-from-behind 75–68 victory over Ateneo de Manila University, kicking off the second round with a statement win.

Down 63–67 in the final minutes, the Tamaraws rallied behind Luke Felipe and Janrey Pasaol, who scored back-to-back baskets to tie the game. Then Bautista took over — first with a go-ahead triple from the wing, then a cold-blooded corner bomb that sealed the win with 28 seconds to play.

Bautista reprised his role in one of FEU’s close wins against Ateneo last season, after the Tamaraws avenged their overtime loss from the first round.

Bautista finished with 20 points, punctuating his performance with ice-cold efficiency in the clutch. Pasaol tallied 15 points and 13 assists in a strong all-around effort, while rookie Kirby Mongcopa flirted with a double-double — 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.

Mo Konateh anchored the paint with 15 points and 17 rebounds as FEU improved to 3–5, just one and a half games behind the top four despite sitting seventh.

Ateneo, on the other hand, dropped its fourth straight game and fell to solo fifth at 4–4. Dominic Escobar led the Blue Eagles with 15 points, while Waki Espina chipped in 12. Kymani Ladi, who torched FEU for 26 points in their first meeting, was limited to just four this time as the Tamaraws’ defense swarmed him all game.

UAAP | FINAL:

The UP Fighting Maroons (5-3) prove to be NU’s kryptonite in #UAAPSeason88 as they ride a 22-4 start on the way to a 78-74 elimination round sweep of the top-ranked Bulldogs (6-2)! pic.twitter.com/qUI1bMWGDo

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) October 22, 2025

Alarcon powers UP season sweep over NU

In the second game, the University of the Philippines rediscovered its poise, surviving a furious rally from National University to claim a 78–74 victory and stay within striking distance of the top two.

Harold Alarcon was sensational, pouring in a season-high 24 points, including four clutch free throws in the closing seconds that iced the game.

The UP senior contributed in other aspects as he also logged four assists and three rebounds in the win.

After a blistering 22–6 start, the Fighting Maroons watched their lead shrink as NU clawed back to within two in the fourth quarter. But timely baskets from Alarcon and Rey Remogat steadied the ship, sealing the bounce-back win after last week’s tough loss to La Salle.

Remogat added 11 points and five boards, while Reyland Torres chipped in 10 for UP, which improved to 5–3 for solo third.

Jake Figueroa led NU with a gritty 18-point, 10-rebound performance, while Paul Francisco’s five steals highlighted his defensive effort in the loss. The Bulldogs fell to 6–2 but remained second in the standings.

With their wins, both FEU and UP head into Sunday’s games at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion riding momentum. UP faces a surging FEU squad at 4:30 PM, while Ateneo and NU meet earlier at 1:30 PM in a battle of redemption and recovery. 

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