UAAP Weekend Preview: Contenders clash as Season 88 heats up

The UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament hits a crucial stretch this weekend with four pivotal matchups that could reshape the standings — and test which squads are truly ready for the long grind ahead.

Coming off a week filled with momentum swings, statement wins, and hard lessons, the race for positioning continues Saturday and Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Saturday Showdowns

The weekend opens with NU facing Ateneo at 2:00 PM — a duel between contrasting identities. NU, one of the most disciplined defensive teams this season, has thrived behind its interior defense and balanced scoring. The Bulldogs, led by their star Jake Figeroua and bench spark plugs, aim to impose their pace and stifle Ateneo’s fast breaks.

For Ateneo, the key lies in cohesion and precision. The Blue Eagles have shown flashes of their old brilliance but have struggled with consistency. Coach Tab Baldwin’s crew will need strong showings from Kymani Ladi, Jared Bahay, and  to crack NU’s defensive wall and avoid another slow start.

At 4:30 PM, Adamson takes on red-hot UST, which is fresh off a convincing 92–80 win over FEU earlier this week. That victory vaulted the Growling Tigers into a tie for first place at 5–1, their best start in years. Kyle Paranada and Nic Cabañero anchored UST’s balanced attack, while Gelo Crisostomo drilled clutch threes during a decisive fourth-quarter run.

Adamson, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after dropping close games that exposed their late-game execution woes. The Soaring Falcons will need to contain UST’s backcourt and dominate the glass behind Cedrick Manzano and Didat Hanapi to pull off an upset.

Here are the updated team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s, Women’s, and U16 Basketball Tournaments after today’s games (October 15) at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/d6JIusCAWS

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) October 15, 2025

Sunday Battles

Sunday opens with the “Battle of the East” — UE versus FEU at 1:30 PM. FEU’s inside presence, anchored by Mo Konateh and Janrey Pasaol, remains their biggest advantage. However, the Tamaraws’ collapse against UST last week showed vulnerabilities in closing out games. Pasaol still continues to be the heavy scorer for the Tams as last game he dropped a strong 22-points in the loss to the Tigers. 

UE, on the other hand, will need to rely on the likes of John Abate and Precious Momowei, as veteran winger Wello Lingolingo will be suspended for the next three games after the unsportsmanlike foul during the 111-110 loss to DLSU. The Red Warriors’ guards will look to push the pace, force turnovers, and open up perimeter looks — a must if they hope to neutralize FEU’s size advantage.

Capping the weekend is a blockbuster UP–La Salle rematch at 4:30 PM — a fixture still fresh in fans’ minds after UP dethroned the Green Archers in a 66–62 thriller to reclaim the UAAP title last season.

UP, led by remaining stars Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, and Rey Remogat, has shown resilience but continues to battle slow starts. The Fighting Maroons’ bench depth, anchored by Gani Stevens in the paint, this could prove crucial in maintaining pace against La Salle’s physicality.

For La Salle, Mike Phillips, and Jacob Cortez headline a squad hungry for revenge and trying to recover after losing Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan to injuries, the under-manned Green Archers’ success will hinge on keeping composure and limiting turnovers, especially in crunch time where UP thrives.

What’s at Stake

This weekend’s slate goes beyond just wins and losses. It’s a litmus test for depth, composure, and adaptability. UST and NU are fighting to cement their hold at the top, while La Salle, FEU, and Ateneo aim to regain footing before the midpoint of the eliminations.

Expect fast-paced games, defensive battles, and emotional finishes — all setting the tone for what promises to be an intense second half of the UAAP season.

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