UAAP Final Four Picture Turns Topsy-Turvy After Sunday Upsets
The race for the Final Four in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament has been thrown into complete disarray following a series of dramatic results on Sunday, November 17, 2025. What seemed like a settled battle for the semifinals has now become a free-for-all, with multiple teams suddenly back in contention for the coveted final spots.
FEU Stuns La Salle in Nail-Biter
The day's biggest shock came when the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws narrowly defeated the La Salle Green Archers, 84-83. This crucial victory, achieved with a 5-7 win-loss record, has miraculously revived FEU's flickering hopes of making the semifinals. More significantly, the loss plunged La Salle into a precarious position, dropping them to a 6-5 record and clinging to fourth place.
Ateneo's Hope Rekindled, UP Secures Semifinal Berth
La Salle's stumble has given the Ateneo Blue Eagles a significant ray of hope. With a 5-6 card, Ateneo is now very much alive in the race to gatecrash the Final Four party. Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons virtually advanced to the semifinals for the seventh consecutive year, the school's longest streak since 2018. UP secured its blistering fifth straight win by holding off a fierce challenge from the Adamson Falcons, 70-65.
The Adamson Falcons showcased tremendous grit, rallying from a 15-point deficit to within two points, 56-58, with 4:11 left in the game. However, defensive lapses allowed UP to orchestrate a decisive 5-0 run, highlighted by a crucial three-pointer from Reyland Torres at the 2:25 mark, sealing the victory.
With this win, UP improved to a 9-3 record and now has a handsome opportunity to tie the National University Bulldogs for the top spot if they sweep their last two elimination round assignments.
A Grueling Homestretch Ahead
The path to the Final Four, however, is far from smooth for any team. UP's final two hurdles are against arch-rivals Ateneo and La Salle, two schools desperate for game-changing wins to keep their own seasons alive. The University of Santo Tomas also remains a threat, capable of advancing if they beat NU and FEU, combined with UP suffering unlikely losses.
As the league frenetically races to conclude its eliminations, the old adage rings truer than ever: bilog ang bola (the ball is round). In the unpredictable world of UAAP basketball, it's not over until the fat lady sings.
