MANILA (UPDATED) – The University of the Philippines dominated Far Eastern University, 89-75, to move to solo second in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The defending champions started off strong in the match, outscoring their opponent 21-12 in the opening frame.
The Fighting Maroons never looked back, despite a late surge from the Tamaraws after being down by 13 points at the half.
"We came to this game prepared. We really prepared for FEU. One thing siguro for this game, we moved the ball better as a team. Slowly, kumbaga na-identify ng bawat isa yung role sa team namin. I'm really happy to see we're improving as a team, we're growing as a team," UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said in the post-game press conference.
UP big man Francis Nnoruka led the scoring with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
UP's Francis Nnoruka dunks against FEU in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament, October 26, 2025 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. UAAP Media
"I have to keep playing hard, every game I show up, play my role and do what I can to help the team win. As much as I gotta do my job, it’s collective effort," he said.
Ganni Stevens added 14 markers, Rey Remogat chipped in 12 points, while Terrence Fortea had 10 points and 8 assists in the victory.
Jacob Bayla contributed on both ends of the floor, tallying 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for the Fighting Maroons.
"Very valuable [yung contribution niya] for us. We always give him importance sa ganun, yung being able to fulfill yung role niya sa team. And being able to play at both ends, bihira sa player yung ganun," Monteverde said of Bayla's performance.
Mo Konateh powered FEU with 24 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
"When they're playing like that, I don't think there's a team in the league like them. From 1 to 14 those guys, every one of those guys can play or even start for every other team in the league. So they're loaded. Everyone in their roster can play and contribute," FEU head coach Sean Chambers said.
"What do I like about my guys is they never give up. We're still young and learning. I'm really proud of that. We just keep our head up and we keep battling," he added.
With the victory, the Fighting Maroons climb to a 6-3 record for solo second in the standings. The Tamaraws slip to seventh with a 3-6 win-loss record
FEU aims to bounce back against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on November 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
UP seeks to get its third straight win and avenge its first round loss to the UST Growling Tigers on November 5 in the same venue.
The Scores:
UP 89 – Nnoruka 19, Stevens 14, Remogat 12, Fortea 10, Abadiano 9, Bayla 8, Belmonte 5, Alarcon 4, Torres 2, Briones 2, Palanca 2, Alter 2, Yniguez 0.
FEU 75 – Konateh 24, Bautista 22, Mongcopa 14, Daa 7, Pasaol 6, Owens 2, Felipe 0, Salangsang 0, Montemayor 0, Macapagal 0, Ona 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 21-12, 44-31, 65-53, 89-75