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Harold Alarcon came alive when it mattered most, leading the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to a heart-stopping 89-88 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena!

The veteran guard rose to the occasion, scoring 10 of his 22 points in the crucial fourth quarter to lift UP to its 7th win in 10 games, securing solo second place in the standings as the race to the Final Four intensifies.

“Marami kaming struggling nung first half, so nung fourth, whatever na hinarap sa akin ng defense, talagang kinuha ko lang,” said Alarcon, who provided the spark just when the Fighting Maroons needed it most.

With Alarcon’s late-game heroics, UP continues to strengthen its Final Four push — showing the poise, depth, and championship mentality that have defined the team all season long.

Also starring for State U was Noy Remogat, who chipped in 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Migs Yniguez provided instant offense with 11 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from deep.

Down 87-88 with under 30 seconds left, Alarcon coolly sank one of his signature mid-range jumpers to put UP ahead. UST had multiple chances to steal the game, but Amiel Acido missed two potential go-ahead baskets, and despite Collins Akowe grabbing another offensive rebound, he turned the ball over at the buzzer.

Akowe finished with a monstrous 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Nic Cabañero added 18 points for UST, which suffered its fourth straight loss and dropped to 5-10 overall. Forth Padrigao was limited to just two points and six assists before exiting early due to an ankle injury.

UP continues to surge at the right time — showing grit, composure, and championship poise as the postseason draws near.

National University reclaimed the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament with a gritty 82–78 win over De La Salle University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 27–17 fourth-quarter run to seize control, then held off a late surge by the Green Archers, who lost star forward Mason Amos to a suspected knee injury down the stretch.

With this victory, NU improved to 5–1—already matching last season’s win total—and broke its tie with the UST Growling Tigers (4–1). The Bulldogs have now won two in a row since their loss to defending champion UP.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for NU, which struggled last year after import Mo Diassana’s early injury. Now, with Omar John anchoring the paint, the Bulldogs have emerged as one of the league’s most balanced and resilient squads.

"Nung mga preseason games, talagang iniisip ko kung paano tatagos sa depensa ng La Salle," said Palacielo, who scored 10 of his total production in the pivotal last period. "Kanina, tinignan ko lang talaga kung ano yung bibigay nila sa akin tiyaka ko tintry atakihhin."

In the second game, defending champion University of the Philippines eked out a 69–66 win over Far Eastern University, notching a fourth straight victory after a rocky 0–2 start. Harold Alarcon led UP with 15 points, with Gani Stevens (14) and Reyland Torres (12) chipping in.

UP now looks ahead to a marquee clash with the La Salle Green Archers on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

NU 82 -- Figueroa 18, Palacielo 16, Francisco 13, Santiago 12, Jumamoy 8, Parks 6, Garcia 4, John 3, Manansala 2, Enriquez 0, Padrones 0, Dela Cruz 0, Navarro 0, Reyes 0.

La Salle 78 -- Phillips 15, Cortez 15, Baclaan 11, Pablo 8, Amos 7, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Abadam 4, Daep 3, Dungo 2, Nwankwo 2, Melencio 0, Marasigan 0.

Quarterscores: 21-23, 40-40, 55-61, 82-78.

It was a dream debut for Collins Akowe and a perfect opening statement for host school University of Santo Tomas.

The rookie sensation powered the Growling Tigers to a stunning 87-67 rout of defending champion University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball opener on Sunday, September 20, instantly reshaping the league’s title picture.

Akowe, a prized recruit from the National University Bullpups, imposed his will on both ends of the floor, finishing with a monster double-double of 29 points and 17 rebounds. His dominance in the paint anchored UST’s charge, as the España-based squad set the tone early and never looked back.

With the Growling Tigers’ suffocating defense complementing Akowe’s inside presence, the Fighting Maroons were kept on their heels all game long, unable to find their rhythm in their first step toward a title defense.

The convincing victory not only gave UST a massive morale boost but also signaled that the once-struggling program is determined to contend this season.

The UAAP’s 88th season officially came alive on September 19 with a vibrant opening ceremony at the University of Santo Tomas Grandstand and Open Field, ushering in a new chapter of collegiate sports tradition and pride.

Athletes, students, alumni, and supporters from all eight member schools gathered in a spirited show of unity, painting the venue in school colors and cheers that reflected the league’s enduring passion and energy.

As this year’s host, UST rolled out its world-class facilities to welcome the league, emphasizing the university’s deep sporting legacy and commitment to excellence.

Carrying the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” UAAP Season 88 aims to highlight not only athletic brilliance but also the values of camaraderie, perseverance, and resilience that continue to define the country’s premier collegiate league.

With the stage now set, fans can look forward to another season of unforgettable rivalries, inspiring performances, and stories of triumph that transcend the playing field.

Despite mounting expectations, De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips remains calm and confident as he leads the Green Archers' quest to reclaim the UAAP men’s basketball crown.

Standing 6-foot-8, Phillips also finds himself linked to another challenge—potentially suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

“But I'm really praying, whatever God has planned. If it's God's will for me to hopefully have an opportunity to try out and be a part of the national team, of course,” said Phillips, who previously won gold with Gilas at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

While excited by the prospect, Phillips remains focused on his current mission with La Salle, a team eager to bounce back after several runner-up finishes in the off-season and a finals loss last year.

“I really love to, I'm gonna give everything I can. But of course, right now, it's really just about staying in the moment, staying in the present moment,” he said.

Phillips fondly recalled his Gilas experience, calling it “an amazing feeling” that continues to inspire him.

“Because playing for the national team is just something that, I don't know, I can't put into words. It's just such an amazing feeling and I'm still sort of on that high from that SEA Games,” he shared. “I still have my medal, it's right on my cabinet and I still talk to a lot of the guys that I was with in the SEA Games.”

Phillips, along with Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez, is expected to anchor La Salle’s campaign in UAAP Season 88, which tips off this Saturday, September 20, against Adamson.

The UAAP Season 88 basketball tips off this Saturday, following a Paskuhan-inspired grand opening at UST. 

League commissioner Jai Reyes announced the adoption of FIBA standards in officiating, with a pool of international-level referees and the innovation of mic’d-up officials for assessment and grading. 

"I'm proud to say that we are having in our pool most of the FIBA referees that represent the Philippines in international competitions. One exciting development would be we would be mic'ing up our referees not yet for broadcast purposes."  Reyes said. "

Reyes aims to elevate both officiating and game quality across the league.

"We want our referees to be just like our players for them to improve yearly so we can make our product on the court the best as possible," he added.

Men’s basketball opens September 20 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, featuring FEU vs. Ateneo and Adamson vs. DLSU. 

The women’s division starts September 24, highlighted by Ateneo-UE and UP-Adamson matchups.

"Last year we ventured out and said, 'Let's put together a batch of homegrown correspondents, eight correspondents from all eight schools.' We're happy to note, we'll get to do that again," Cignal Sports Content Head Mico Halili said during the press conference. 

The UAAP continues its all-homegrown coverage initiative, with student correspondents from each member school and the debut of four new analysts—Camille Clarin, Jed Colonia, Paul Zamar, and Kenneth Tuffin—ensuring broad school representation on the broadcast panel.

"And because students from school saw that their classmates or batchmates and schoolmates were covering for UE, and NU, and Adamson, we saw an upsurge in the number of applicants who auditioned this year," he added.

With improved officiating, stronger student involvement, and fresh analyst insights, UAAP Season 88 promises to deliver a dynamic and elevated basketball experience for fans.

Meanwhile, UAAP representatives stressed the importance of proper medical testing and clearance for student-athletes before competition. 

While equipment and facilities are in place, organizers underscored that diligence over “each and every line” of safety protocols remains a priority.

“These are the minimal requirements. Documentation that student-athletes have either taken tests or have been cleared fit to play is essential. We just want to make sure everything is in order.”  said Atty. Saguisag. 

Beyond safety, excitement is also building for the new season’s sporting calendar, particularly in men’s volleyball. The league confirmed that Season 88 will feature guest teams and an expanded volleyball competition under the banner of the International Men’s Volleyball Championship.

“We are excited because this is the best of the best,” Atty. Saguisag added “Even during the opening, we want to bring the level of competition higher. I cannot imagine the energy this will bring to UAAP campuses.”

With Season 87 considered historic, UAAP leaders are determined to push Season 88 “to another level”

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag announced that, beginning Season 89, schools will be permitted to include up to two foreign student-athletes (FSAs) in their team pools for all sports.

“This was approved this year and, like all our rules, will take effect the following season — so starting UAAP Season 89,” Saguisag said in a statement. 

Under the new rule, only one FSA can be on the active roster, with the other on reserve.

Previously, teams were limited to a single FSA. The change aims to provide roster security—especially after instances like National University being left without an FSA due to injury—while maintaining competitive balance. 

“For all sports, teams can have two foreign student-athletes in their pool, but only one can be part of the active roster at a time, with the other on reserve,” he added.

The rule takes effect next year, as UAAP Season 88 kicks off this week. 

The reigning UAAP champions University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons got a timely boost from two of their former stars during their recent training camp in South Korea as they gear up for their title defense in the upcoming Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

The Fighting Maroons faced several Korean Basketball League (KBL) squads from August 24 to September 2, including the current teams of ex-UP standouts JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo.

According to UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, the presence of Cagulangan and Tamayo during the final stretch of camp was invaluable, as the two shared insights that went beyond the basketball court.

“We miss them for sure… Those are two players very special to us, not only on the court but even off the court,” said Luanzon during a contract signing on Monday, September 8, at UP Diliman.

“The advice they gave — about mindset, how to approach a game, how to deal with losses, and other important things — are lessons that will really help our players moving forward,” he added.

Tamayo was the first to take his talents abroad in 2023, suiting up for the Ryukyu Golden Kings in Japan’s B. League, where he won a championship before transferring to the KBL’s Changwon LG Sakers. He became the first Filipino import to capture titles in both Japan and Korea.

Cagulangan followed in 2024, signing with Suwon KT Sonicboom just two days after capping his collegiate career with a Finals MVP award and another UAAP crown for UP.

The reunion was particularly meaningful for team captain Gerry Abadiano, who was inspired by his former teammates’ success overseas.

The UAAP is ramping up health and safety protocols ahead of Season 88, which opens September 19, following the recent tragic deaths of two young basketball players during training.

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag stressed at Wednesday’s preseason press conference that while emergency medical services and health protocols have long been in place, the league is now doubling down on caution—especially during training sessions. 

“We already have emergency medical services in place for competitions. But we’re making sure that athletes undergo proper pre-participation medical screening and reminding schools to be even more vigilant at their training venues,” Saguisag said. 

The renewed push for athlete safety follows the deaths of National University’s Ashlyn Abong, 18, who collapsed during training on June 28, and University of the Philippines recruit Israel Friday, 19, who died after collapsing at practice on August 20.

In response, member schools have also implemented stricter protocols. At UP, the Office of Athletics and Sports Development now requires all students, including athletes, to undergo medical evaluations before enrollment. 

Student-athletes must also pass a Pre-Participation Medical Sports Evaluation (PMSE) and additional cardiovascular screenings before joining their teams.

“They have to undergo tests. Even if they’ve completed the PMSE, further clearance is needed to detect any existing medical conditions,” explained UP’s Bo Perasol.

As Season 88 approaches, the UAAP is sending a clear message: while competition is central to collegiate sports, athlete safety remains the top priority.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the UAAP has denied the league’s request to allow graduating and one-and-done players to join the upcoming September 7 PBA Draft while still completing their collegiate eligibility.

Marcial said he received a letter from UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, who explained that the issue was thoroughly discussed by the UAAP Board of Managing Directors. 

“This matter involves a policy issue across all our sports programs. We are unable to favorably act on the request at this time. We must also ensure consistency in our regulations concerning student-athletes entering professional leagues,” Saguisag wrote.

As a result, graduating UAAP players will have to wait another nine months before they can apply for the next PBA Draft, potentially stalling their transition to the professional ranks and affecting their career momentum.

Saguisag also added that the matter would be referred to the UAAP’s sports and eligibility committees for further review and possible amendments in future seasons.

In contrast, the NCAA allows its graduating players to enter the PBA Draft as long as they finish their final collegiate season before turning pro—a policy seen as more supportive of athletes’ career development.

Among the UAAP standouts who could have entered this year’s draft are La Salle’s Michael Phillips, UP’s Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and several others. With the UAAP’s decision, these prospects must now wait until next year’s draft to begin their professional journey.

The UAAP has upheld its ruling barring players from joining the PBA Draft while retaining their collegiate eligibility, despite an appeal from PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. 

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag emphasized that the decision affects not only basketball but the entire UAAP sporting program.

“We can’t grant the request, at least for this season, because it has implications for our other sporting events,” Saguisag said.

He added that the UAAP Board must conduct a thorough review before allowing players to enter the PBA Draft mid-season.

“We’re committed to referring this matter to a committee for a deep study of its impact across all our 20 sporting events,” Saguisag explained. 

However, he noted that the UAAP isn’t closing its doors to the idea and may implement changes as early as Season 89.

Saguisag said Marcial and the PBA understood the UAAP’s need for consistency with its regulations. In the UAAP’s view, any player who enters the draft—even if undrafted and a free agent—is considered a professional and thus ineligible to continue playing at the collegiate level.

The ruling means top prospects like La Salle’s Mike Phillips and other graduating UAAP players will have to wait about a year before they can enter the PBA Draft if they wish to retain their eligibility this season.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has formally asked the UAAP to allow college players to enter the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft without losing their eligibility for the UAAP basketball season.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the request, which comes with the Rookie Draft scheduled for September 7—just 12 days before UAAP Season 88 tips off at UST on September 19.

Marcial assured that drafted players would still be able to complete their UAAP commitments before reporting to their PBA teams.

“We believe this is a win-win for both leagues. Players will be motivated to give their best in the UAAP, knowing their college exposure will help launch their pro careers,” Marcial said.

The PBA’s 50th season opens on October 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the Philippine Cup as the season-opener.

Marcial added that the league and its teams are prepared to assist student-athletes as they transition to the pros while fulfilling their collegiate duties.

“We’re open to extending support to UAAP draftees so they can compete at the highest level in the UAAP,” he added.

If approved, the proposal would allow top collegiate stars to explore professional opportunities without sacrificing their final UAAP campaigns—creating a smoother bridge between the country’s premier collegiate and professional basketball leagues.

Defending champion De La Salle University is headed back to the finals after overpowering host Japan University Select Team, 88-75, in the 2025 World University Basketball Series (WUBS) Final Four on Sunday, August 10, at the Yoyogi National Gym in Tokyo.

The Green Archers broke the game open with a decisive 22-7 run in the second quarter, turning a slim 19-17 lead into a commanding 41-24 halftime advantage. Despite a stronger second-half push from the Japanese squad, La Salle held firm to secure its second straight WUBS championship appearance.

La Salle, the UAAP Season 87 runner-up, will face either Korea University or Nippon Sport Science University in Monday’s title game. 

Last year, the Archers claimed the title over Korea University, 101-86, led by Kevin Quiambao, who now plays in the Korean Basketball League. This time, Mike Phillips anchored La Salle’s charge, building on his strong quarterfinal performance against National Chengchi University of Chinese Taipei.

Supporting Phillips were Mason Amos, Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Luis Pablo, Earl Abadam, and Vhoris Marasigan.

Meanwhile, UAAP champion UP exited early, falling 75-71 to Korea University in the first round and 96-77 to Australia’s University of Sydney in the battle for fifth place.

The WUBS is an annual knockout tournament featuring eight collegiate champion teams from across Asia.