This week in college men’s basketball has never let up, not even in the slightest. With the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) having entered its second round, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) well deep in its crossover round between Group A and Group B teams, Philippine college basketball is as exciting as it’s ever been.

UAAP

1. NU holds on the top spot (for now, at least)

The National University (NU) Bulldogs are at the top spot of the UAAP Men’s Basketball standings (as of writing), holding a 7-2 record. Their latest win came at the expense of the struggling Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (more on them later). Jake Figueroa gave an all-around performance, contributing 17 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block in that game. However, the Sampaloc-based team has also shown some vulnerabilities, losing to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in their previous game.

2. UP claim solo 2nd

The UP Fighting Maroons team has once again found its way to the top half of the standings, becoming the sole second-place team after the NU Bulldogs. After their dismal 0-2 start, the Diliman-based squad won the last five of their six games, thanks to better ball movement and having a newfound team chemistry.

3. DLSU back on track after key player losses

Now on a three-game win streak, the Green Archers didn’t look like a depleted team after having guard Kean Baclaan and forward Mason Amos being sidelined. The Green-and-White squad’s bench stepped up at the right time, with bench players JC Macalalag and Luis Pablo proving their mettle at this point in the tournament.

4. Blue Eagles lose 5 straight

After flying high off a 4-0 start, the AdMU Blue Eagles found themselves crashing to the ground after losing five straight games, dropping to a lowly 6th place. This is their worst slump under Coach Tab Baldwin since the four-game losing streak in Season 87. But the season is still well underway, and they still might have the chance to crack the Final Four if they win the rest of their games.

NCAA

5. Surging Letran Knights brush off nightmare start

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights may have started on the wrong foot with a 0-3 record in their campaign, but right now, they have the longest win streak in NCAA Season 101, winning five games straight. The Intramuros-based team seems to have found its identity, with Jonathan “Titing” Manalili leading the charge as their top point guard. With this string of wins, they climb to 2nd place in Group B.

6. Perpetual’s “Gojo” makes sorcery in the league

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas has proved that player development pays off as sophomore guard Mark Gojo Cruz shone in their recent win against title-favorite De La Salle—College of St. Benilde Blazers, even making the game-winning shot. The Las Piñas-based team has lost only one game and is riding high in Group A, a testament to their buy-in into their coach’s system.

7. San Beda continues to flex its dominance

The San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions have bared their fangs in the crossover games in NCAA Season 101 with a string of convincing and dominant wins. Top-billed by Filipino-American rookie Janti Miller, the prized recruit had his third straight 20-point game, with the latest being a career-high of 24 points. His team is seeking to win all their crossover matches and build a cushion before they play against the Group B teams.

8. Mapua recovers from its slump with an Escamis return to form

The Mapua University Cardinals were in a bind lately, losing three straight games with their star guard, Clint Escamis, not scoring more than 2 points in that stretch. Fortunately, star guard Clint Escamis regained his touch in their win against Emilio Aguinaldo College. If Escamis stays in his MVP form, it’s only a matter of time until they find themselves back at the top of the team standings.

Games to look forward to

UAAP – NU vs DLSU (Nov. 2nd)

This matchup is something to watch, as it may affect the Final Four picture in the future. If NU wins this game, they maintain the solo top seed; however, if DLSU wins, they share a spot with UP and keep NU within striking distance.

NCAA – Perpetual vs San Beda (Oct. 29)

It’s the battle of the Group Leaders, with the two teams putting their single-loss records on the line. This matchup would also be a family affair, with Coach Olsen Racela and Yuri Escueta being cousins.

Player highlights

UAAP – Jake Figueroa

Jake Figueroa might be the most pro-ready player on the Bulldogs’ roster right now. The 6’3” forward has been putting up numbers ever since the start of the season, contributing around double digits in points, as well as in rebounding and assists. If he gets consistent, he might take his team all the way to the Finals.

NCAA – Jonathan “Titing” Manalili

When you watch a Manalili highlight, expect the unexpected. Each time this player drives to the basket, you’ll never know whether he will take it himself or just set it up for a teammate. His signature no-look pass had defenders stumped and his teammates happy, as they got to have a share in the highlight reel by turning his passes into points, thus making him one of the elite point guards in college basketball today.

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