Romwel Anzures

Jake Figueroa in action for National University against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.

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<div style="line-height:1.5"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762944951197UAAP88 MBB - JAKE FIGUEROA-6454.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Jake Figueroa in action for National University against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media."/>Jake Figueroa in action for National University against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.</div>MANILA (UPDATED) — National University is a win away from securing a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 88 men&#x27;s basketball Final 4.This, as the Bulldogs emerged victorious over Far Eastern University, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay for their 10th victory in 12 games, securing at least a playoff for the semifinal bonus.Jake Figueroa was National U&#x27;s star once again, pouring in 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists, but none was bigger than his three-point dagger to stave off the Tamaraws in the endgame.&quot;The players worked hard talaga, pero &#x27;di pa rin kami ganun ka satisfied ngayong papasok na kami sa last stretch,&quot; said Bulldogs coach Jeff Napa. &quot;May kailangan pa kaming abutin para yung next stages, maabot namin ng tama,&quot; he added.Only a one-possession game in crunch time, Figueroa hit from beyond the arc at the 1:18 mark to extend their lead to six, 70-64, and create enough cushion for the Bulldogs.This left the Tamaraws with enough time to answer, but Janrey Pasaol and Jorick Bautista missed their respective shots which could have inched FEU closer.As a result, the Morayta-based cagers absorbed their seventh loss in 11 games despite Pasaol&#x27;s 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals.PJ Palacielo contributed 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting, with four rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Jolo Manansala turned in his best performance of the season with eight points and nine rebounds, adding one steal and one assist.The loss was a blow to the Tamaraws&#x27; Final 4 hopes, as they are now behind University of Santo Tomas (6-5), Ateneo (5-5) and Adamson (5-6) in the race to the semifinals.FEU looks to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive when it faces De La Salle University on Sunday, November 16, at the Araneta Coliseum.Meanwhile, NU can seal a Final 4 bonus if it overcomes winless University of the East, also at the Big Dome on Sunday. <div> </div><div>The Scores:</div>NU 70 – Figueroa 17, Palacielo 10, Francisco 9, Manansala 8, Jumamoy 8, Parks 5, Enriquez 4, Padrones 4, Garcia 2, John 2, Tulabut 1, Dela Cruz 0, Solomon 0.FEU 64 – Pasaol 15, Mongcopa 10, Daa 7, Owens 7, Bautista 5, Konateh 5, Felipe 5, Montemayor 4, Jones 4, Ona 2.Quarterscores: 18-13, 38-34, 53-48, 70-64.

#UAAPSeason88 || National University is a win away from securing a twice-to-beat incentive.

#UAAPSeason88 || National University is a win away from securing a twice-to-beat incentive.

UAAP: NU inches closer to Final 4 incentive after escaping with slim win vs. FEU

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UAAP: NU inches closer to Final 4 incentive after escaping with slim win vs. FEU

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 12, 2025 07:00 PM PHT

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Updated November 12, 2025 07:36 PM PHT

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Basketball

UAAP

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UAAP Season 88

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FEU Tamaraws

NU Bulldogs

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