Romwel Anzures

National University’s Jolo Manansala in action against University of the East in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763192671507UAAP88 MBB - JOLO MANANSALA-0785.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>National University’s Jolo Manansala in action against University of the East in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.</div>MANILA (UPDATED) — National University proved anew why it is currently the best squad in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball.The Bulldogs secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final 4 after averting an upset against the University of the East, 83-74, on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.Jolo Manansala delivered his best game of the season with 21 points, three rebounds, and three assists as the Jhocson-based cagers clawed back from an 18-point deficit to notch their 11th win in 13 games.&quot;Yung first half, unusual eh. Masyadong relaxed,&quot; said NU coach Jeff Napa, whose squad trailed 35-53 in the first two periods. &quot;So sabi ko nung halftime: &#x27;&#x27;Yun ba ang level na gusto niyong i-perform sa Final 4?&#x27; If you want to succeed sa next level, kailangan ipakita nila &#x27;yung best nila,&quot; he added.Jake Figueroa was also solid with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals for NU, which unleashed a dominant 27-13 fourth-quarter run to put away the Red Warriors. Omar John contributed a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double, Paul Francisco caught fire with 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting from long range, while PJ Palacielo added 11.But it was Manansala who spearheaded the third quarter surge, leading the Bulldogs to a 20-4 surge to cut their deficit to two, 55-57, with under two minutes left in the same frame.And while the Red Warriors kept a 61-56 advantage ahead of the last canto, National U opened the quarter with another run — 19 to 2 — to finally overtake their counterparts and hand them their 13th straight loss this year.Rookie Kristopher Lagat led UE with 17 points while Precious Momowei tallied 14 markers and 12 boards, but Chris Gavina’s wards absorbed their 19th straight loss since Round 2 of Season 87 — the third longest losing streak in the league’s Final 4 era.<div> </div><div>The Scores: </div>NU 83 – Manansala 21, Figueroa 14, John 14, Francisco 12, Palacielo 11, Enriquez 5, Parks 4. Tulabut 2, Garcia 0, Jumamoy 0, Dela Cruz 0, Reyes 0, Navarro 0, Solomon 0, Padrones 0. UE 74 – Lagat 17, Momowei 14, Despi 11, Jimenez 10, Lingolingo 9, Datumalim 5, Cruz-Dumont 3, Tañedo 3, Robles 2, Malaga 0, Distrito 0. Quarterscores: 17-21, 31-42, 56-61, 83-74.

National University proved anew why it is currently the best squad in #UAAPSeason88 men’s basketball.

National University proved anew why it is currently the best squad in #UAAPSeason88 men’s basketball.

UAAP: National U averts upset vs. UE to secure Final 4 bonus

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UAAP: National U averts upset vs. UE to secure Final 4 bonus

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 15, 2025 03:49 PM PHT

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Updated November 15, 2025 06:11 PM PHT

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Basketball

UAAP

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UAAP Season 88

UAAP Basketball

UE Red Warriors

NU Bulldogs

Jolo Manansala

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