Just like that, the Philippine collegiate basketball season is approaching its most exciting phase, with the Final Four just weeks away in both the UAAP and NCAA. Yet, the top teams in each league are still vying for a spot, leaving the final four picture anything but certain.
With nearly a hundred games played between both leagues, we’ve had ample opportunity to assess how each school has fared so far. Even as teams solidify their identities, the final rankings remain unpredictable.
As UAAP and NCAA teams gear up for the final stretch of the season, let’s dive into the latest midseason power rankings as we head deeper into round two.
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1. UAAP: De La Salle University (+1 | 9-1)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
There’s not much more to say about La Salle’s dominant run in UAAP Season 87. As Ryan Alba noted, the Green Archers hold the UAAP’s highest net rating, outscoring opponents by 15.45 points per 100 possessions with the league’s top-ranked offense.
When two players are legitimate MVP contenders, it speaks volumes about the team’s talent. Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips have made La Salle look unstoppable, and either would be a worthy MVP recipient.
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2. UAAP: University of the Philippines (-1 | 7-1)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite a tough rematch against La Salle, UP remains a major contender to challenge La Salle’s grip on the crown. The Fighting Maroons showed resilience in the second half, signaling they are still championship material.
JD Cagulangan was a top MVP candidate before his injury, but with UP back at full strength, they’re primed to reclaim the crown from Taft.
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3. NCAA: College of Saint Benilde (- | 10-2)
Aside from a surprise loss to Arellano, Saint Benilde has consistently dominated NCAA Season 100. The Blazers are on track to break the 15-year streak of NCAA titles claimed by either San Beda or Letran.
Coach Charles Tiu’s squad excels at attacking the rim, whether through the strength of Allen Liwag in the halfcourt or Tony Ynot’s speed in transition. With length and athleticism unmatched by many, Benilde looks ready for a title run.
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4. NCAA: Mapua University (+1 | 10-3)
Athleticism is also a hallmark of Mapua University. Reigning Player of the Week Chris Hubilla has seamlessly integrated into the Cardinals’ frontcourt, posting 17 points and nine rebounds to help avenge their prior loss to reigning champs San Beda.
Hubilla, Escamis, and Mangubat have become a formidable trio. With Mark Cuenco contributing off the bench, the Cardinals appear well-positioned for a finals appearance.
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5. NCAA: San Beda University (+1 | 8-5)
San Beda’s unique mix of size and shooting makes them one of the NCAA’s most dangerous teams. Yukien Andrada’s steady presence inside and out, along with Jomel Puno’s 47% three-point shooting, has given San Beda a reliable offensive spark. With Bismarck Lina improving each game, San Beda looks ready to defend their title.
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6. UAAP: University of the East (+2 | 5-3)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The UE Red Warriors have relied on spacing and size to secure a 5-3 record and third place in the standings. With UST struggling and other teams like Ateneo, FEU, and Adamson battling for position, Coach Jack Santiago’s team is poised to break a 15-year final four drought.
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7. NCAA: Emilio Aguinaldo College (+4 | 6-6)
After a rocky start, Emilio Aguinaldo College has won three of its last four games, tying with Letran and Lyceum in the standings. King Gurtiza and Harvey Pagsanjan’s dynamic backcourt duo, combined with Wilmar Oftana’s shooting, make the Generals a dangerous team capable of upsetting top squads.
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8. UAAP: University of Santo Tomas (-4 | 4-6)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST has faced a tough three-game skid, dropping five of its last six. Four of those losses came against UP and La Salle, meaning the hardest part of their schedule may be over. The Tigers’ offense is among the league’s best, but their defense is its worst, making them unpredictable in the standings.
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9. NCAA: Lyceum of the Philippines University (+5 | 6-6)
Lyceum is the biggest riser in the rankings, thanks to John Barba’s stellar play. Despite missing key players, the Pirates have key wins over Letran and San Beda. As their lineup recovers, Lyceum is back in the hunt for a final four spot.
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10. NCAA: Colegio de San Juan de Letran (-3 | 6-6)
Letran is on a three-game losing streak, having lost to Mapua, Lyceum, and Perpetual. With tough games against EAC, San Beda, and Benilde still on the schedule, they’ll need to make a strong comeback to secure a final four spot.
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11. UAAP: Far Eastern University (+5 | 3-6)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
FEU’s recent win over National University was historic, marking their first win over a “non-bird” team in two seasons, as noted by UAAP statistician Pong Ducanes. Coach Sean Chambers’ team has shored up defensively, and their matchup with UST will be a must-watch to see if they can maintain that defensive form.
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12. UAAP: Ateneo de Manila University (- | 3-6)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After a rough first round, Ateneo has steadied itself with key wins over NU and UST. The improved shooting from Andrew Bongo, Chris Koon, and Ian Espinosa offers hope, though their final four chances remain slim.
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13. NCAA: University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (-4 | 5-7)
Despite a strong start, Perpetual has lost five of its last six games and ranks last in points per game, with concerns about offensive consistency rising. Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz is a bright spot, but other players need to step up to regain a top-four spot.
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14. NCAA: Arellano University (+2 | 4-8)
(C) NCAA
Arellano has proven itself a thorn in the side of top NCAA teams, scoring notable upsets against San Beda, Benilde, and Lyceum. Although their own final four hopes are slim, the Chiefs continue to play tough basketball and will keep fighting through the season’s end.
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15. UAAP: National University (-4 | 2-7)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
National University’s rankings took a hit after an early-round loss to Ateneo. The absence of Mo Diassana is deeply felt, and second-year guard Reinhardt Jumamoy hasn’t made the expected leap. With their sights likely set on next season, the Bulldogs may look to give their younger players more time on the court.
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16. UAAP: Adamson University (-3 | 3-6)
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adamson’s strong defensive identity helped them early, but their offensive struggles have started to weigh them down. With few reliable shot creators, the Soaring Falcons have the league’s worst offensive rating, making it difficult for them to climb back into the final four race.
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17. NCAA: San Sebastian College-Recoletos (-2 | 3-9)
(C) NCAA/GMA
San Sebastian’s season has taken a downturn, losing nine of their last ten games. While their fast-paced style is exciting, it has left them vulnerable, giving up a league-high 88.33 points per game. The Stags will need to rein in their speed and shore up their defense if they hope to improve.
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18. NCAA: Jose Rizal University (- | 3-9)
Despite a four-game losing streak, Jose Rizal University has glimmers of hope. Shawn Argente is emerging as a scoring threat, and Joshua Guiab is a solid presence in the frontcourt. Though expectations for the Heavy Bombers were low this season, they’ve laid a foundation to build on for future seasons.
