UAAP Season 88: Key contenders collide in pivotal Round 2 weekend matchups

The race toward the UAAP Season 88 Final Four intensifies as powerhouse programs and hungry challengers clash in a stacked weekend slate. With momentum swings and playoff positioning on the line, every possession matters when the league’s best meet once again.

Saturday, October 25 – SM Mall of Asia Arena

1:30 p.m. – Adamson Falcons vs UE Red Warriors

Adamson seeks to build on its growing rhythm after a convincing 77-62 win over UST, where AJ Fransman powered the charge and Cedric Manzano added 12 points to help the Falcons quell a late UST rally. The victory not only boosted their confidence but also strengthened their mid-table standing entering Round 2.

For the UE Red Warriors, the search for their first win continues, but the flashes of brilliance are there. Precious Momowei remains their biggest weapon, delivering 42 and 23 points in his last two outings. UE’s challenge lies in turning individual heroics into collective execution against a disciplined Adamson squad.

Key angle: Can Adamson sustain its momentum and impose control early, or will UE finally translate Momowei’s dominance into a breakthrough win?

4:30 p.m. – La Salle Green Archers vs UST Growling Tigers

A marquee duel headlines the day as La Salle looks to avenge its first-round defeat to UST while carrying the confidence of a hard-fought 72-69 win over UP despite missing key players Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan. The Green Archers’ resilience under pressure showed their depth and championship pedigree.

Meanwhile, UST remains one of the season’s biggest stories. After ending a long drought with a triumphant win over La Salle in the first round, the Growling Tigers stumbled late with a loss to Adamson but still sit at 5-2, good for second place. A victory here would push them into a share of the top spot with NU.

What to watch: Can UST’s youthful firepower, led by Nic Cabanero, Collins Akowe, and Forthsky Padrigao repeat their earlier upset? Or will La Salle’s core of Mike Philipps and Jacob Cortez and defensive edge even the score in their budding rivalry?

THE SAGA CONTINUES

More hoops action is coming your way as the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s Basketball Tournament Round 2 delivers high-caliber plays from your favorite collegiate teams!

The Final Four race intensifies as each university battles fiercely to keep their championship… pic.twitter.com/Euf4ym1GO4

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) October 20, 2025

Sunday, October 26 – UST Quadricentennial Pavilion

1:30 p.m. – Ateneo Blue Eagles vs NU Bulldogs

The Ateneo Blue Eagles find themselves in rare territory, struggling to regain consistency at 4-4 after falling to FEU in their previous outing. Still, their veteran leadership and defensive identity could spark a much-needed turnaround as they seek redemption against an NU Bulldogs team that has proven tough to crack.

NU, the current top seed, is looking to rebound from a narrow loss to UP, where Jake Figueroa shone with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Bulldogs’ balanced attack and size advantage continue to make them a tough matchup for any team, but they’ll need to maintain composure to avoid another late-game stumble.

Key storyline: Can Ateneo rediscover its winning rhythm, or will NU reassert itself atop the standings after a humbling setback?

4:30 p.m. – UP Fighting Maroons vs FEU Tamaraws

The weekend wraps up with a fiery showdown between two teams on opposite streaks but similar ambition. UP, led by Harold Alarcon’s scoring spark and Rey Remogat’s steady playmaking, aims to solidify its Final Four footing and bounce back from a close loss to La Salle.

The FEU Tamaraws, on the other hand, are peaking at the right time. Their stunning upset of Ateneo in Round 1 gave them renewed belief as they chase a return to playoff contention. With Jorick Bautista emerging as their late-game hero, the Tamaraws’ blend of grit and confidence makes them dangerous down the stretch.

The angle: Will UP’s structure and star power withstand FEU’s fearless push for another upset? Expect a tense, high-energy battle that could have massive implications for the Final Four race.

The Bigger Picture

As UAAP Season 88 enters its second round, the weekend’s 4:30 p.m. matchups stand out as potential turning points. UST’s fight to stay near the top, La Salle’s bid to regain dominance, FEU’s surge toward contention, and UP’s drive for stability all collide in a two-day stretch that could reshape the standings — and perhaps the storylines — of the season.

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