UAAP Women’s Basketball: UP repulses FEU, rises to share of 4th
University of the Philippines reclaimed its winning ways after fending off Far Eastern University, 82-77, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, September 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The win improved the Fighting Maroons’ record to a 2-2 slate, putting them tied with Ateneo de Manila University for the fourth spot in the standings.
"We're happy that we won in the end. I liked how we won this game because I felt the players had a more calm demeanor during that endgame," said Fighting Maroons head coach Paul Ramos.
"As the season goes, it's a process that we have to really improve on a lot of the facets of our game," he added.
With Favour Onoh sidelined for the entirety of the season due a torn ACL, Achrissa Maw emerged as a key contributor for UP with a standout 25-point performance on 10-of-13 shooting from the field.
FEU’s Shane Salvani delivered back-to-back baskets, forcing the score into a 75-deadlock. Maw led the charge for the Fighting Maroons, sinking two free throws and a crucial layup that supplied the team a four-point cushion with 35.7 seconds left on the clock.
MJ Manguiat refused to make the steam dissipate for the Tamaraws, trimming the deficit to three after netting two of her three free throws.
However, Kaye Pesquera sealed the victory for the Fighting Maroons with two clutch free throws of her own.
Maw also had nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while guards Louna Ozar and Christie Bariquit contributed with double-digit rebounds, grabbing 11 and 10, respectively.
Meanwhile, Salvani spearheaded FEU with an exemplary 28-point performance, six rebounds, and three assists in the losing effort.
Max dela Torre and Manguiat also shined in the loss with 11 markers apiece.
UP will aim to add another win in their record when they face off Adamson University next Saturday, September 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while FEU will look to ward off Ateneo de Manila University next Sunday, September 29, at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
UP 82 – Maw 25, Ozar 17, Bariquit 13, Solitario 8, Pesquera 6, Mendoza 3, Lozada 3, Barba 3, Tapawan 2, Nolasco 1, Vingno 1, Jimenez 0, Sauz 0, Quinquinio 0.
FEU 77 – Salvani 28, Dela Torre 11, Manguiat 11, Lopez 9, Pasilang 6, Libor 5, Villanueva 5, Nangma 2, Paras 0, Gavaran 0, Ong 0.
Quarter Scores: 29-24, 41-48, 64-66, 82-77.
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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).