UAAP: NU’s defense stars as they remain unbeaten after trumping UST

No one would’ve thought that two weeks into UAAP Season 88, the NU Bulldogs would stand atop the standings as one of two teams to be unbeaten, but that is the reality after a stunning victory against the UST Growling Tigers on their home floor on Wednesday.

Star Bulldog Jake Figueroa led NU with 22 points, capped with the clutch three-pointer that sealed NU’s third win. Despite only two other players scoring in double-digits with Foreign Student-Athlete (FSA) Omar John and PJ Palacielo’s 10 points apiece, the Bulldogs and their head coach Jeff Napa’s signature defense that ultimately secured their historic start to the season.

UST, which came off a thrilling victory against the DLSU Green Archers in its last game, shot below 40% from the field for the first time this season, as its star Foreign Student-Athlete (FSA), Collins Akowe, struggled against his former team.

NU joins Ateneo as the UAAP’s only 3-0 teams after a road win at UST, 76-69, in what was the most competitive contest of the season so far. The Bulldogs make their first statement to be taken as legit contenders. Jake: 22 points, 9 rebounds. 10 each for John/PJ. Photo: Vyn R. pic.twitter.com/ZWihYERX2k

— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) October 1, 2025

National U’s defense is the best in the league

Coming into the game on Wednesday, everyone knew NU had a solid defense after completely stalling both the UE Red Warriors and FEU Tamaraws’ offensive capabilities in the first two games, but questions remained if they could do it against the Growling Tigers, who looked like one of the best offensive teams in their wins against DLSU and the UP Fighting Maroons.

Well, the Bulldogs did just that. Not by a lot, but enough to silence most of UST’s offense to stay unbeaten with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. UST star Nic Cabanero was the only player for UST who looked consistent and comfortable with the Bulldogs’ offense, while the rest of the team struggled to get to their spots. 

The Bulldogs have yet to allow their opponents to shoot more than 38% from the field this season. Their next game against UP will be tough with Rey Remogat having his best game as Fighting Maroon against UE, but as we’ve seen, NU’s defense could make the best scorers look lost.

UST’s past-season struggles return

The Tigers had looked like they had found their identity after their wins against both of Season 87’s finalists, but after Wednesday, UST reverted to its shaky identity. They had their worst game yet in terms of scoring the ball and rebounding, two aspects in which they have struggled in the past seasons.

As seen in the past seasons, relying only on Cabanero to lead the offense is not sustainable. Akowe looked like the relief UST and Cabanero needed, but he was mostly a non-factor on offense and on the boards. The NUNS product only notched eight rebounds, as the whole of the team bagged 39 to NU’s 52. It wasn’t all negatives for UST, however, as Amiel Acido is starting to become a reliable option for UST after tallying 18 points on 53.8 (7/13) shooting. 

A loss on their home floor is a disappointing result for the Tigers, but it’s not the end of their title-contending hopes as they will try to bounce back against cellar-dwelling UE next game on their home floor once again.

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