Defending champion La Salle takes the lead after the first round in UAAP Season 87, while a long-time powerhouse in Ateneo endures a rare rough patch.
As the first round of UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball wrapped up, the league standings have provided some surprises, especially with the contrasting performances from perennial contenders.
Here’s a breakdown of how each team fared after round 1.
De La Salle Green Archers (6-1)
First-round record last season: 4-3
Current streak: 3-game win streak since their only loss to UE.
La Salle has emerged as the top team after round 1, overcoming its lone loss to UE with a strong three-game winning streak.
Their most impressive victory came against UP, continuing their dominance over the Fighting Maroons with three consecutive wins dating back to last season.
[Related: No true point guard in La Salle? Joshua David takes on mantle for Green Archers in Season 87]
The Green Archers are showing more consistency compared to their 4-3 first-round record from last year in the first round, and the champs are looking like title favorites again.
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UP Fighting Maroons (6-1)
Current streak: 1-game losing skid after a six-game win streak.
The UP Fighting Maroons started strong with six consecutive double-digit wins but saw their streak snapped by rivals La Salle in a Season 86 Finals rematch.
[Related: Harold Alarcon keeps UP guards ready amid JD Cagulangan’s absence]
Despite that, UP remains one of the top contenders as the Fighting Maroons have proven they can handle most teams with ease. They'll look to regroup heading into round 2 for a Final Four push.
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UE Red Warriors (5-2)
Current streak: 5-game win streak.
The UE Red Warriors are one of the biggest surprises this season, matching their longest win streak in 10 years with five consecutive victories after a slow 0-2 start.
They made headlines by beating Ateneo for the first time in nine years and are proving to be a legitimate contender for a Final Four spot this season.
[Related: No-quit mentality powers Wello Lingolingo to game-winner for UE]
The Red Warriors will look to maintain their form as they target a first playoff appearance since 2009.
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UST Growling Tigers (4-3)
Current streak: 1-game winning streak.
UST has already surpassed its win total from the previous two seasons, showing marked improvement under new leadership.
The Growling Tigers’ first-round highlight came when they defeated Ateneo for the first time in nearly a decade.
[Related: Forthsky Padrigao embraces leadership role with UST Growling Tigers]
With four wins, UST sits in a solid position heading into round 2, where the Tigers will aim to continue their resurgence and challenge for a Final Four spot.
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Adamson Soaring Falcons (3-4)
Current streak: 2-game losing skid.
Adamson has struggled to find consistency, alternating between wins and losses through the first six games of the season.
[Related: Superstar or no superstar, Adamson continues to thrive under Nash Racela's system]
The Falcons ended round 1 on a two-game losing skid and haven’t won back-to-back games yet. Adamson will need to string together wins in round 2 as the team look to climb the standings and stay in the playoff hunt.
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NU Bulldogs (2-5)
Current streak: 1-game winning streak.
The Bulldogs have underperformed compared to last season when they were a Final Four team.
They endured a four-game losing skid in round 1, but a win over Ateneo in their last game provided a much-needed confidence boost.
[Related: As NU crowd makes show of force, coach Jeff Napa gets emotional after win vs Ateneo]
Four of their five losses were close, single-digit defeats, showing they’ve been competitive but need to execute better in crunch time to turn things around in round 2.
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FEU Tamaraws (1-6)
Current streak: 1-game losing skid.
FEU has had a tough start under new head coach Sean Chambers, beginning the season with five straight losses.
Their lone bright spot came in the form of a thrilling overtime win against Ateneo, the only overtime game so far this season.
[Related: First-time coach Sean Chambers absorbs learnings as FEU gets first win in UAAP Season 87]
With just one win, the Tamaraws will need a major turnaround to have any hope of making the Final Four.
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Ateneo Blue Eagles (1-6)
Current streak: 3-game losing skid.
In one of the most shocking developments of the season, Ateneo has slumped to a 1-6 record, the Blue Eagles’ worst start under coach Tab Baldwin and in the Final Four era.
After their lone win against Adamson, Ateneo ended round 1 on a three-game losing skid, with four of their losses coming by double digits.
[Related: Fueled by Ateneo's strong BEBOB spirit, Blue Eagles extra motivated to earn first UAAP Season 87 win]
The Blue Eagles will need to regroup and find answers quickly to salvage their season.
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(With reports from Luisa Morales/One Sports)
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]