(Photo Credit: Joaqui Flores, Tiebreaker Times) FEU Tamaraws def. NU Bulldogs 90-83 Notable Players: Arvin Tolentino, FEU (23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal): Arvin continues to breakout, managing to score 23 points in just 21 minutes. He’s definitely looking healthy and it won't be a surprise if he produces the same amount of stats in future games. Axel Inigo, FEU (12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists): Inigo looked a little more aggressive his usual game of facilitating, taking 11 attempts in this game. He managed to produce well with the minutes he was given. Jasper Parker, FEU (9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists): Parker also had facilitating duties for the Tamaraws; though there is more emphasis on his all around play as he’s a good defender and sets the pace for the team. JayJay Alejandro, NU (23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals): Perhaps one of the only few bright spots for NU this game. JayJay made his all-around contribution for the Bulldogs...

with contributions from Camille Cutler (Photo Credit: Arvin Lim, ABS-CBN Sports) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. UST Growling Tigers 94-84 Notable Players: Matt Nieto, Ateneo (22 points, 4/6 3FG): Matt continues to impress, as he provided Ateneo the offensive punch it needed to beat UST. His new-found stroke from outside is going to be huge for the team moving forward, as defenses start to clamp down on well-known shooters such as Anton Asistio. Isaac Go, Ateneo (13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists): Isaac was solid for Ateneo, providing the team the ample support on both ends of the floor. His biggest contribution was on the offensive end, especially with some of the bail-out shots he made during the course of the game.  Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo (12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists): He simply continues to stake his claim as the UAAP's 2nd best player behind Ben Mbala. He wasn't as explosive as he usually is, but that's just nitpicking. Thirdy continues to play tremendou...

(Photo Credit: Marie Dobuyan, Tiebreaker Times) Adamson Soaring Falcons def. NU Bulldogs 83-76 Notable Players: Jerie Pingoy, Adamson (12 points, 5 assists, 6 steals):  Pingoy is starting to find his groove with Adamson, even managing to log more production compared to Robbie Manalang. It took a while. but it's a delight to watch Pingoy play this well after so long. Papi Sarr, Adamson (19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals): Papi needs to continue to put up performances like these for Adamson to stay in the mix for the Final Four. He was solid, and he should build off this for upcoming games. Jerrick Ahanmisi, Adamson (13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists): HE'S ALIVE!!!!! Just getting to see Jerrick play this well should already be promising for Adamson supporters. It's no explosion by his standards, but he should get there soon. J-Jay Alejandro, NU (25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists): This was a great bounce-back performance from him shooting-wise after a sub-p...

(Photo Credit: SLAM Philippines) Final Score:  UP Fighting Maroons def. De La Salle Green Archers 98-87 Notable Players Paul Desiderio (career high 30 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 53% FG percentage, 60% 3pt percentage) This man who has a single mission of creating nightmares for La Salle shredded Mayhem with his precise sniping from downtown.  Desiderio's aggressive one-on-one moves and with his fluidity in creating space using high screens enabled this deadly Fighting Maroon to keep the Green Archers at bay by scoring 13 points in the 3rd quarter.  Desiderio also missed only 1 of his 7 three-point attempt in the last three quarters engineering a UP comeback and taking the lead for keeps. Jun Manzo (17 points, 4 assists, 47% FG percentage + 1 bold tweet) This Cebuano kid has quickly picked up the Fighting Maroons swagger with a bold prediction before the start of the game.  Not only did he orchestrate the floor to Maroon perfection but also set up ...

(Photo Credit: Alvin S. Go, Tiebreaker Times) Final Score: FEU Tamaraws def. UST Tigers 78-65 Notable Players: Arvin Tolentino, FEU (15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block) : This sort of “break out” game by Arvin Tolentino was long overdue. Everybody saw his potential in the previous games, but had limited minutes and sidelined because of a minor hyperextended knee. Arvin looked really healthy and 100% in this game, filled up the stat sheet with a double double, and is expected to make bigger contributions in the coming games. Ron Dennison, FEU (15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal): Ron Dennison was his usual self for this game. Bringing toughness on both sides of the court. If there’s one thin that can be seen in the stat sheet, that would be his hustle and all the intangibles he bring to the court. Jasper Parker, FEU (8 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block): Jasper Parker had an all around game and filled up the stat sheet. Getti...

(Photo Credit: Zach Garcia, The GUIDON) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. UE Red Warriors 83-65 Notable players: Thirdy Ravena (21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 3 turnovers): He just keeps on proving to everyone that he is more than capable of putting up consistent numbers and being an asset to this team. He was able to lessen on his turnovers which just shows that he’s constantly working on his game as each day progresses. Matt Nieto (11 points, 3 assists) : One half of the dynamic duo known as the Nieto brothers showed that he can play a steady game and facilitate all throughout as the playmaker of the team. He played good team basketball and went out there looking for good options for his teammates. Alvin Pasaol (22 points, 3/8 3pt FG, 4 TOs): He just went out there and was totally a knockdown scorer for the red warriors. He converted and contributed in several aspects whether it be slashing, scoring or shooting. Even if he knocked down 3 long bombs, he could have be...

(Photo Credit: Jan Paolo Dimaculangan, 551st Media) NU Bulldogs def. UST Growling Tigers 94-84 Notable Players: Issa Gaye, NU (17 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks):  Gaye has been incredibly aggressive all throughout the tournament, making use of his length really well versus other defenders. It showed here, as he outplayed the entire UST front line by his lonesome. JJay Alejandro, NU (12 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists):  Alejandro's shot was not falling versus UST (even though he got a lot of good looks), but he made up for it by grabbing rebounds and dishing out a number of assists. Reggie Boy Basibas, UST (23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals): Basibas was key in keeping UST in this game, attacking the rim ferociously every time. Sadly foul trouble limited him in this game. Jordan Sta. Ana, UST (14 points, 4 assists): Jordan has done a great job of being a playmaker for UST, using his size and strength to get to the rim and create plays for himself or others. L...

(Photo Credit: SLAM Philippines) De La Salle Green Archers def. Adamson Soaring Falcons 85-73 Notable Players Ben Mbala, DLSU (32 points, 10 rebounds):  What a return!  Ben Mbala's total domination exuded on many ends, pumping a career-high 32 points with an efficient 69% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc.  Mbala's defensive presence down low forced the Falcons to chuck it from the outside. In the first quarter when La Salle tripled Adamson's scoring output, the Falcons' were shooting blanks. Did we mention the twirl-and-slam of Mbala at the crucial junction of the final quarter to give La Salle 1 75-66 lead when Adamson trimmed the lead to 7? Santi Santillan, DLSU (10 points, 7 rebounds):  Fast becoming the backup for Mbala, Santillan's board production gave La Salle some time to give Mbala ample rest.  Santillan's timely putback of his own miss gave some space for La Salle at 77-68 in the heat of the Adamson rally. Robbie Manalang, Adamson...

(Photo Credit: Mico Ongkeko, The GUIDON) Ateneo Blue Eagles def. FEU Tamaraws 94-82 Notable Players: Thirdy Ravena, ADMU (18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 turnovers): If he cuts down on those turnovers, the scarier he'll be. He's everything Ateneo hoped CJ Perez would be for them. An absolute monster on both ends of the floor, using his ridiculous physical tools to the brim. Anton Asistio, ADMU (16 points, 3/6 3FG): Anton opened up the floor for Ateneo to start the game, scoring off catch and shoot with ease. Credit to him as he was able to put himself in good spots, and never forced the issue even though he was hot. Matt Nieto, ADMU (11 points, 3 assists, 2 blocks): After struggling with his offense for most of his UAAP Seniors career, Matt found his stroke against FEU making three three-pointers. If he manages to continue to hit his outside shots consistently, teams have themselves a problem versus the Ateneo back court. Wendell Comboy, FEU (12 points, 4/7...

Two (or three) games in, and I'm still astounded by the fact that only a few (I can count by my fingers) of the UAAP players actually made huge improvements to their game. In the United States, this is what college basketball analysts term as the "jump." It occurs when the roles are expanded for certain players due to the departure of prominent and key pieces to their school's basketball team. In the league, more than the TV hype, I'm just left...wanting. There's just not enough guys who actually wanted  to make the "jump." What is the offseason for? Is it to chow down (Mr. Bono, it's good to see you)? Catching up on academics to be eligible to play next season (Jobe knows)? Shoot commercials (Oh was that Jeron?)?  Is a player going to retool? What facet of his game will he improve on? Will he even improve at all or has he plateaued? Are we all agreeing this time that only Rabeh Al-Hussaini has enjoyed such a leap after all these years in the...

(Photo Credit: Arvin Lim, ABS-CBN Sports) Final Score: UP Fighting Maroons def. UE Red Warriors 84-71 Notable Players: Paul Desiderio, UP (28 points, 10 rebounds) : Paul Desiderio looked like he was going to play sub-par again at the start of the game. Everything changed when he caught fire in the 3 rd quarter, scoring 16 points out of his 28. This was a timely boost as UP got ahead by double digits and never looked back. Ibrahim Quattara, UP (14 points, 18 rebounds, 2 blocks) : Quattara isn’t a main offensive option unlike other imports. Quattara isn't the main offensive option of UP unlike how other teams use their Foreign Student-Athletes, but his size alone was enough to produce points and rebounds for the Fighting Maroons. UE's lack of size was a factor here. Jun Manzo, UP (10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal) : Don't let the statistics fool you. Jun Manzo delivered, by providing enough scoring, while stablizing the offense of the Fighting M...

(Photo Credit: Tristan Tamayo, Inquirer.net) Adamson Soaring Falcons def. UST Growling Tigers 88-81 Notable Players: Robbie Manalang, Adamson (19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals): After a bad performance versus Ateneo, Manalang bounced back with an all-around game against UST. He was solid, something Adamson will need as competition gets tougher throughout the season. Jerie Pingoy, Adamson (9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals): His shooting woes continue, but Pingoy was a pest on the defensive end versus the Growling Tigers. At the very least, Pingoy is able to do work on the other side of the court after a meh performance offensively. Jeepy Faundo, UST (21 points, 12 rebounds): Most UST fans don't treat Jeepy seriously. but he gave the community a reason to be excited after his performance versus Adamson. (That poster dunk by Tyrus Hill isn't going to help with the whole "Take Jeepy seriously" mission though - Ed)  Marvin Lee, UST (...