Romwel Anzures

University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Collins Akowe against defending champions University of the Philippines 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/1758451024443UAAP88 BB - UP vs UST - Collins Akowe and Miguel Palanca -28.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Collins Akowe against defending champions University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media."/>University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Collins Akowe against defending champions University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.</div>MANILA (UPDATED) — Collins Akowe made an instant impact as University of the Philippines defended its homecourt in its UAAP Season 88 men&#x27;s basketball opener.The 6-foot-9 rookie willed his way inside to help the Growling Tigers dump defending champions University of the Philippines, 87-67, during their Sunday evening matchup at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.The former UAAP high school MVP Akowe dominated the paint for the España-based hoopers, posting a massive 29-point, 17-rebound (16 pts, 11 rebs in the first half), and this was on top of a rejection, an assist, and a block.&quot;It&#x27;s a great feeling, taking advantage of the situation,&quot; the 6-foot-9 Nigerian center said. &quot;I just had to do what I got to do, representing UST.&quot;&quot;Coming into the game, I just had to clear my head. I told myself, whatever happens, I just got to play. Whatever comes, comes. I just have to help my team win,&quot; added Akowe, after outscoring UP&#x27;s starters, who only had 23. Also starring was Kyle Paranada who finished with 18 markers (14 in the first half), while team captain Nic Cabañero scattered nine markers and five boards.This was the first win of UST against UP since the Season 82 stepladder Final 4 in 2019 wherein ex-Growling Tigers gunner Renzo Subido drilled the game-winning three-pointer to take down State U, 68-65, and enter the Finals.Other than trailing 1-2 early in the contest, it was the Tigers from the opening canto as they roared their way into a 16-4 advantage all thanks to the run which was built on baskets by Akowe, Cabañero, Gelo Crisostomo, Kyle Paranada, and Leland Estacio.The Fighting Maroons looked to rally back in the second quarter, cutting UST&#x27;s once 23-point, 45-22 advantage to as low as eight all thanks to a 19-to-4 surge which was capped off by a lay-in by Terrence Fortea with still 3:13 left in the first half.However, Akowe and Cabañero answered not only to put their team ahead by 14 anew by halftime, as they also reset their biggest advantage to 25, 85-60, late in the fourth frame. On the other hand, Mark Belmonte led the Maroons with 12 markers and four boards, while Harold Alarcon and Jacob Bayla each followed with 11 points.Unfortunately, these weren&#x27;t enough as UP went on to absorb its first opening day loss since Season 84 in 2022 wherein they lost to Ateneo de Manila University, 90-81.<div> </div><div>The Scores:</div>UST 87 -– Akowe 29, Paranada 18, Cabañero 9, Crisostomo 8, Buenaflor 7, Calum 4, Llemit 3, Estacio 3, Acido 2, Laure 2, Sevilla 2, Bangco 0, Manding 0, Bucsit 0, Danting 0.UP 67 — Belmonte 12, Alarcon 11, Bayla 11, Bayla 6, Torres 6, Nnoruka 5, Fortea 4, Felicilda 4, Abadiano 2, Alter 2, Palanca 2, Briones 2, Stevens 0.Quarterscores: 31-19, 57-43, 70-57, 87-67.

Collins Akowe made an instant impact as the University of Santo Tomas defended its homecourt in its UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball opener.

Collins Akowe made an instant impact as the University of Santo Tomas defended its homecourt in its UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball opener.

UAAP: Collins Akowe dominates in debut as UST spoils defending champ UP’s rally

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UAAP: Collins Akowe dominates in debut as UST spoils defending champ UP’s rally

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 21, 2025 06:40 PM PHT

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Updated Sep 22, 2025 12:24 PM PHT

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Basketball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 88

UAAP Basketball

University of Santo Tomas

UST Growling Tigers

University of the Philippines

UP Fighting Maroons

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