FEU-D Tops Adamson, NUNS Overpowers UST in UAAP

Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) reaffirmed its status as the team to beat in UAAP Season 88 high school boys’ basketball after dispatching Adamson University, 84-65, on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. In the second game, National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) delivered a statement performance of its own, overpowering University of Santo Tomas (UST), 92-72, to tighten the race near the top of the standings.

The results further clarified the pecking order in a tightly contested Metro Manila juniors’ field, where every weekend reshapes playoff positioning and school pride.

FEU-D Keeps Firm Grip on First Place

FEU-D leaned on balance and discipline to subdue Adamson, pulling away decisively to secure a 19-point victory. The win keeps FEU-D at 6-1 or better, maintaining its hold on the top tier of the standings alongside Ateneo.

Jarl Artango led the way with 13 points, anchoring an offense that spread its production efficiently. While Adamson managed to stay within striking distance early, FEU-D’s structure on both ends of the floor gradually created separation. By the final quarter, the outcome had tilted firmly in favor of the Diliman-based squad.

The victory builds on FEU-D’s consistent run through the first round. Since edging UST, 82-78, in early January and overpowering University of the East, 96-73, later that month, FEU-D has shown the steadiness of a program comfortable with expectations.

NUNS Overwhelms UST Behind Balanced Attack

If FEU-D’s win underscored control, NUNS’ performance showcased force. The Nazareth School squad carved up UST’s defense in a 92-72 rout, improving its record to 7-2 and reinforcing its status as a serious contender.

Shaun Lucido scored 16 points, while Kurl Figueroa added 13. The most commanding presence came from Moussa Diakite, who delivered a dominant inside performance with 12 points and 19 rebounds, controlling the glass and limiting UST’s second-chance opportunities.

UST drew 17 points from Joaquin Ludovice and 14 from Jetlee Melano, but the España-based squad struggled to contain NUNS’ pace and interior presence. The 20-point margin reflected defensive lapses that UST could not recover from as the game widened in the second half.

Standings Tighten as Playoff Race Takes Shape

Sunday’s results added definition to a standings table that remains competitive:

• FEU-D and Ateneo remain at or above 6-1, setting the pace.
• NUNS climbs to 7-2, staying within reach of the leaders.
• De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ), University of the East (UE), and Adamson hover around the middle with roughly 3-4 records.
• UST drops to the lower tier at around 2-5 or 3-6.
• UP Integrated School (UPIS) remains winless at 0-7.

Elsewhere on Sunday, DLSZ routed UPIS, 83-47, while Ateneo improved to 7-2 with a victory over UE, keeping pressure on FEU-D at the summit.

A Weekend Showcase for Metro Manila’s Basketball Culture

Hosted at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the games drew families, students, and alumni whose loyalties run deep in the UAAP’s junior ranks. In a league woven into the fabric of Metro Manila school life, these contests serve as both proving ground and community gathering.

While the UAAP operates under its own bylaws and Department of Education policies governing inter-school athletics in the National Capital Region, the emotional stake belongs largely to the schools and their supporters. For many young players, performances like Diakite’s rebounding display or Artango’s steady scoring are stepping stones toward collegiate careers.

Momentum Building Toward Crucial Stretch

As the elimination round advances, the title picture remains fluid but increasingly defined. FEU-D’s composure at the top suggests a team intent on protecting its ground. NUNS’ emphatic win signals that the chase is far from settled.

In a season where margins often determine momentum, Sunday’s double-digit victories did more than pad records. They sent a message: the road to the championship will run through disciplined systems, depth across positions, and the ability to seize control when the game begins to tip.

With several weeks left in the schedule, the contest for supremacy in UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball remains as taut as ever — a race measured not just in wins and losses, but in consistency under pressure.