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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.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses remained unstoppable in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament after a resounding 104–54 victory over the University of the Philippines on Wednesday, November 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With the win, UST improved to 10-0, solidifying its hold atop the eight-team standings while maintaining a remarkable 32.8-point average winning margin.

“Our mentality remains the same — take it one game at a time, stay consistent, and improve every game,” said head coach Haydee Ong. “Of course, our last two games are tough ones against Ateneo and NU, but on Sunday we’ll prepare for FEU.”

The Tigresses dominated from start to finish, opening with a 31-9 first quarter before taking a 55-27 halftime lead. Their advantage ballooned to as much as 53 points, 98-45, midway through the fourth quarter after a Breanna Pineda basket.

Kent Pastrana led the charge with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block, finishing with a game-high plus-48 efficiency rating in just 20 minutes and 19 seconds on the court.

“I think this is Kent’s best game. A 48 efficiency rating in 20 minutes with 25 points — I hope she can keep up those magical numbers,” Ong added.

Rachelle Ambos chipped in 19 markers and nine boards, while Oma Onianwa tallied 11 points and 10 rebounds, recording a team-best plus-51 in just over 20 minutes of play.

The loss was UP’s eighth straight, dropping them to 2-8 after a 2-0 start. Despite their slump, the Fighting Maroons still have a slim shot at the Final Four with Adamson, De La Salle, and FEU all tied at 4-6.

Camille Nolasco paced UP with 17 markers and four boards, while Achrissa Maw added 10 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

Last season’s Mythical Team member Louna Ozar struggled once again, shooting 2-of-13 for six points, alongside five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, but also committing five turnovers.

UST will look to extend its perfect run when it faces Far Eastern University on Sunday, November 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while UP aims to snap its skid against University of the East on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

A full house is expected at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion when the Growling Tigers host defending champion UP Fighting Maroons in a blockbuster men’s basketball showdown on September 21, headlining the UAAP Season 88 opening weekend. 

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.

The University of the Philippines (UP) and National University (NU) had contrasting fates in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 26, with the Fighting Maroons securing a massive upset in the women’s division while the Bulldogs regained their winning form in the men’s competition.  

The Fighting Maroons snapped defending champion National University’s perfect run, clawing their way back from the brink to pull off a 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12 victory on Wednesday afternoon, March 26, at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

UP’s fiery start in the opening set proved crucial as they erased NU’s 24-23 advantage with three straight points, including two clutch attacks from Niña Ytang and an error from Alyssa Solomon. 

Rookie sensation Shaina Nitura made history with a record-breaking 38-point performance, but Adamson still fell short in a grueling five-set loss to the University of the Philippines (UP) in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 16.

Despite Nitura’s dominant display of 35 kills and three aces, the Lady Falcons suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, closing the first round with a tough 15-25, 25-15, 26-24, 22-25, 10-15 loss.  

Her scoring feat surpassed the previous UAAP record of 35 points held by Ateneo de Manila University’s Alyssa Valdez (Season 75, 2013) and University of Santo Tomas’s Sisi Rondina (Season 81, 2019). 

However, the disappointment was evident as the 20-year-old Adamson star remained in the dugout for hours after the match and declined media interviews, with head coach JP Yude also refusing to speak.  

Nitura, who also tallied 15 excellent receptions, had already cemented her place in Adamson history by tying Angela Bengting’s 33-point school record in her debut against Ateneo last month.

The University of the Philippines (UP) capped off the UAAP Season 87 first round with crucial victories in both men’s and women’s volleyball, overcoming Adamson University’s standout performances at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 16.

National University (NU) asserted its dominance in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s division against the University of the Philippines (UP) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 9.

After dominating the first two sets, the Bulldogs struggled in the third, allowing UP to build a commanding 12-5 lead and eventually force a fourth set. 

However, NU regained control in the final frame, breaking an 18-18 tie with a decisive 4-0 run to defeat the Fighting Maroons,  25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 25-22, improving to a 4-1 record in the men’s tournament.

NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that unforced errors cost them the third set, saying, “We lost our momentum whenever we gained it.” 

He emphasized also the importance of confidence in the fourth set, ensuring the team played with certainty and avoided self-doubt.  

Buds Buddin led the charge with 22 points, while Leo Aringo and Leo Ordiales added 16 and 14 markers, respectively. 

De La Salle University (DLSU) got back on track with a four-set victory over the University of the Philippines (UP), winning 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17 in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, March 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“There’s no weak team in the UAAP today. Every game you play is a challenge,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo in Filipino. “Every team plays a high level so you cannot say that the opponent is weak, that's why you need to overcome whatever it is that your opponent is going to throw at you.”

Angel Canino led the way for the Lady Spikers with 24 points, scoring 20 off attacks and adding four blocks. 

Shevana Laput provided strong support with 21 points from 15 kills, three blocks, and three aces. Lilay del Castillo also contributed with 11 points, including four blocks and two aces.

Ateneo de Manila University claimed its first victory in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament by sweeping the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, in their Battle of Katipunan matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

The Blue Eagles took a commanding 18-9 lead in the third set before UP managed to score three consecutive points to stop the run. 

However, Sobe Buena sparked a late rally, helping Ateneo push the score to 23-17. An AC Miner block then set up the match point, and although Niña Ytang managed to save one match point, Buena sealed the victory for Ateneo.

Buena, who had been limited in Ateneo’s first two losses due to injury recovery, made a strong return just when her team needed her most, leading with 17 points from 15-of-27 attacking efficiency. 

Team captain Lyann de Guzman also played a key role, scoring 14 markers with 12 attacks and two aces, while experienced blocker AC Miner added 12 points, including seven attacks, four blocks, and one ace.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons made a strong start in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, defeating the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in four sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, to capture their second consecutive win at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday, February 19.

This victory marked a significant improvement for UP, surpassing their one-win campaign from the previous season.

Jaz Ellarina’s strong play helped FEU take a commanding 14-7 lead in the fourth set, putting them in position to force a deciding fifth set. 

However, the Fighting Maroons refused to give up, mounting a rally led by Kianne Olango, Joan Monares, and Kassandra Doering, which shifted the momentum and gave UP a 22-20 lead.

Despite late errors from UP allowing FEU to close the gap to 24-23, Niña Ytang sealed the victory with a clever push shot that pierced through the Lady Tamaraws’ defense, securing the win after two hours and 24 minutes.

Far Eastern University (FEU) continued its perfect run in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, winning their second consecutive game.

The Tamaraws dominated the University of the Philippines (UP) with a straight-set victory, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18, during their Wednesday afternoon, February 19, match at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Despite a slow start in the first set, FEU quickly regained their momentum in the second, overpowering the Fighting Maroons, 25-16, and setting themselves up for a potential straight-set win.

Though UP made a strong push in the third set, staying within one point at 15-16 midway, the combined efforts of Amet Bituin, Mikko Espartero, Ariel Cacao, Dryx Saadvedra, and Lirick Mendoza were too much for the Fighting Maroons.

FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo hopes this level of performance will continue as they prepare for their next match against defending champions National University on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball world was shaken when the news broke out that some of the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors left the team, and made their transfer to the University of the Philippines, in the aftermath of coach Obet Vital’s resignation and reported transfer to UP, to go along Fighting Maroons head coach Benson Bocboc.

In a Scoreline.ph exclusive interview with these “FOURmer” UE Lady Warriors, Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, and Shamel Fernandez shared their journey in going from one school to another.

The four women standout shared that the transition was not that smooth as they felt a lot of bashing about their decision to become part of the Fighting Maroons.

“Personally, I don't think the transition from UE to UP was smooth. Because, when the issue came out that I had to move, of course, everyone has their own opinion about the decision. So, yes, we felt bashing, like, why is it like this, why is it like that,” said Dongallo in Filipino.

“But, for me, I didn’t really bother to dwell on it because it won't help me in my future endeavors,” added the star rookie of the Lady Warriors last season.

Moving on is one of the things that humans occasionally find difficult to comprehend. However, in order to improve and flourish, one must either pursue change or just dwell in their comfort zone indefinitely.

The collegiate volleyball community was surprised to learn of the departure of Dr. Obet Vital from his post as University of the East Lady Red Warriors head coach to bring his vision and initiatives to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team.

But an even bigger revelation was followed by the transfer of California Academy standouts and former Lady Red Warriors Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero to the Diliman school.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Coach Obet shared an optimistic outlook of the team’s trajectory and expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead as they continue to evolve as a group and as individuals.

Leading a flock of talent-rich individuals would have been an easy task for a captain, but for someone guiding a team that is attempting to break into the Final Four of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament, it would be a handful task.

It has been 43 years since the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team emerged as victors in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament. It would seem like a punch to the moon to even reach the Final Four as the squad last made it in 2017. 

It was a reminder for the newly-minted captain Dannica Celis that the trophy has been elusive for the Maroon school for four decades as their best-place finish has consistently been third.

As captain, Celis emphasizes that winning one game at a time is more important than reaching the Final Four. She acknowledges the long-standing gap since their championship win, and while it serves as motivation, her team's current approach is centered on gradual improvement and individual growth that will contribute to collective success.