The race to the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Basketball Final Four intensifies as teams enter the final stretch of the eliminations.
But two squads have begun to separate themselves from the pack, with National University clinching the first Final Four berth and first twice-to-beat advantage in the men’s division, and University of Santo Tomas remaining the only unbeaten team on the women’s side at 12-0.
Leading the charge in this pivotal period are Jake Figueroa and Kent Pastrana, who have been named the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Players of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in their divisions.
Figueroa anchored the Bulldogs’ strong push, steering them to their first twice-to-beat advantage since Season 76 through his consistent all-around performance and steady leadership.
Meanwhile, Pastrana’s career-high outing and reliable performance propelled the Growling Tigresses to an immaculate 12–0 slate, securing their spot in the Final Four while keeping their perfect record intact.
Both standouts were recognized as the UAAP Players of the Week for the period of November 5 to 16, 2025.
NU’s clinching of the twice-to-beat bonus, their first in nearly a decade, was fueled by Jake Figueroa’s composed, versatile contributions across three major matchups.
He tallied 13 points, four rebounds, six assists, and two steals against Adamson University, followed by 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block versus Far Eastern University, before closing the week with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals against University of the East.
His steady production guided the Bulldogs to an impressive 11–2 record and solidified their place atop the standings.
“’Yung tiwala ni Coach [Jeff Napa] sa’kin, parang sariling anak kumbaga. Ang dami niyang minutong binibigay sa’kin. Sobrang laki ng tiwala niya kaya ’yung tira ko na ’yon, para sa kanya yon,” Figueroa said.
Figueroa’s leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to deliver in crucial moments earned him the weekly honor over fellow top performers Francis Nnoruka of University of the Philippines, Collins Akowe Nic Cabañero of UST, and FEU’s Janrey Pasaol, and Kirby Mongcopa.
His selection was supported by sponsors Discovery Suites and Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things.
On the women’s side, Kent Pastrana continued to display her veteran composure, powering the UST Growling Tigresses with another stellar week.
Pastrana showcased her all-around brilliance throughout this stretch, dropping 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block against UP; erupting for a career-high 35 points along with 12 rebounds, two assists, five steals, and a block versus UE; and capping the run with 11 points, four rebounds, nine assists, and three steals in their victory over Ateneo de Manila University.
“I am so happy sa performance ko today. Sinasabi ko palagi sa sarili ko na ibibigay ko lahat ng makakaya ko sa team para manalo every game. And of course, as a leader, I will do my best palagi para makatulong sa teammates ko and sa coaches ko,” Pastrana shared.
“Di lang maging kampante kahit sino yung kalaban. Sinasabi din palagi ng coaches: di dapat mawala yung effort namin sa loob ng court,” Pastrana added, after edging teammate Rachelle Ambos, NU’s Karl Ann Pingol, and Angel Surada for the weekly honor.
Both the Bulldogs and the Growling Tigresses now head into a one-week break following their double-header clash on Sunday, November 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena—a must-win matchup for UST as it fights to strengthen its Final Four bid, and a heavyweight showdown between NU and UST, the top two teams in the women’s division.
