SAFE to say, the games proved to be at par with the anticipation as the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball competition tipped off over the weekend.
And as the case with new seasons, heroes once again emerged for their respective teams.
Which is why Spin.ph is here to honor these individuals anew for their exceptional performances in a week-to-week basis.
Let’s take a look at this week’s UAAP Best Five.
Collins Akowe (UST)
29 points (9-15 FG), 17 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, W vs UP
Akowe just showed everyone why UST moved heaven-and-earth just to get his services.
The Nigerian beast feasted inside and made mincemeat of Gani Stevens down low to deliver one of the most dominant debuts in recent memory.
The scary thing? There’s still a lot that the 6-foot-10 center can improve on despite his already monstrous numbers. Case in point: his 11-of-21 shooting from the free throw line, keeping the Growling Tigers faithful excited moving forward.
Kymani Ladi (Ateneo)
26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, W vs FEU
Speaking of debuts, Ateneo also enjoyed the same limelight as it rolled out Ladi for everyone to see.
No, that wasn’t Jayson Tatum in blue-and-white. But the lengthy Fil-Am forward trotted his full arsenal with his athleticism and versatility, even hitting crucial shots down the stretch.
His shooting, after but for a Blue Eagles team which is just hungry to return back to contention? They’ll take every single bit of it.
Mike Phillips (La Salle)
17 points, 16 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 4 blocks, W vs Adamson
No surprise here. Motor Mike is still revving up for La Salle.
Despite the offensive struggles of the Green Archers in that opening game, it was Phillips who kept the team afloat with his tireless motor, and it’s no surprise that he immediately registered a double-double in the opening weekend.
Without a doubt, La Salle can get to as far as Phillips can take it.
Jared Bahay (Ateneo)
13 points (4-8 3PT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, W vs FEU
No more housewarming needed: Ateneo is Bahay’s house indeed.
The Cebuano guard went on overdrive anew in overtime, taking over for the Blue Eagles as he fired seven points while also making the crucial plays in the clutch to nab this opening weekend victory.
And did we mention? Bahay did all of that with no turnovers to show.
Jacob Cortez (La Salle)
16 points (6-8 FG), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, W vs Adamson
In his first game in the UAAP, Cortez showed exactly why he's a beloved figure in all of Mendiola as his clutch ways on both ends salvaged what would've been a disaster for La Salle.
With the Adamson Falcons threatening for a massive upset, Cortez scored four straight points, including the go-ahead basket, before producing to draw a charge on Ray Allan Torres, and then setting up Mason Amos for the dagger three.
The Green Archers have certainly found their closer in Cortez
The second unit
Jake Figueroa (NU) – 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocks, W vs UE
Cedrick Manzano (Adamson) – 19 points (8-14 FG), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, L vs La Salle
Precious Momowei (UE) – 12 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, L vs NU
Janrey Pasaol (FEU) – 24 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, L to Ateneo
Kyle Paranada (UST) – 18 points (2-5 3PT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, W vs UP
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