Beyond the Hardcourt: UAAP vs NCAA Clash in Asiabasket, While Pinoy Ballers Conquer the World

If you ever thought that basketball drama only occurs in the PBA, think again. At the Asiabasket International Invitational 2025, the classic UAAP vs NCAA rivalry was revived, and this wasn’t just a simple friendly match! Meanwhile, Filipino hoopers are making serious waves abroad, proving na kahit saan mo sila dalhin, kayang-kaya nilang makipagsabayan.

Read on to catch up on the latest basketball news.

UAAP vs NCAA: Battle of the Campuses sa Asiabasket Semis

One of the most awaited events sa local hoops this year was the meeting of UAAP at NCAA teams sa semifinals ng 2025 Asiabasket International Invitational, which took place at the Filoil EcoOil Centre sa San Juan.

Asiabasket isn’t just a preseason tune-up; it’s a platform for fans to see kung sino talaga ang may depth, chemistry, and game-readiness before they start their official college seasons. This year, it was the UAAP and NCAA teams that showed their strength.

Adamson Soaring Falcons

Leading the charge for Adamson was Matty Erolon (17 pts, 3 triples) in a dominant win against Lakas California, 89–55. Hindi lang offense ang malakas sa Falcons; they also showed defensive pressure and bench depth, where almost all the players had playing time and scoring contribution. Si Allen Perez (15 pts, 7-of-8 shooting) ay standout din, and Renzo Competente was a steady presence sa perimeter.

UST Growling Tigers

Collins Akowe was the literal pillar for UST sa laban nila against the CSB Blazers. With 20 points and 20 rebounds, he controlled the paint both ways. But he wasn’t alone — Bevir Calum (15 pts), Ice Danting and Mark Llemit (10 pts each) all stepped up. This win was a big boost sa confidence ng Growling Tigers, who are in their rebuilding phase under Coach Pido Jarencio.

San Beda Red Lions

San Beda also stayed strong with a 68–58 win laban sa United Prep Canada. Bryan Sajonia scored 19 points and got 12 rebounds — isang classic performance from one the most consistent na guards ng NCAA. Si Yukien Andrada (16 pts) ay nagpakitang-gilas sa scoring and hustle plays.

Letran Knights

Ang Letran naman went head-to-head against the import-heavy team, Formosa Tiger Kings. In a very close game, Kevin Santos showed up as the X-factor, delivering clutch buckets in the final quarter. Nakita rin dito ang signature grit ng Knights — a strong defense, smart execution, and composure in high-pressure moments.

The result of these matchups? A semifinals lineup na parang All-Star Weekend ng college basketball:

• Adamson vs Letran – A UAAP-NCAA classic with high stakes
• UST vs San Beda – A matchup of decorated programs

Bukod sa school pride, these games are filled with scouting opportunities, exposure for future pros, and validation for the coaches’ new systems. Ika nga ng mga analysts, “This isn’t just preseason basketball. It’s a battle for bragging rights.”

Pinoy Hoopers Shining Worldwide

Now while the collegiate courts here in the Philippines are busy, marami ring Pinoy players who are excelling abroad. Whether it’s in Japan, Korea, or the Middle East — Filipino talent is making headlines.

Thirdy Ravena

After his Japan stint with San-en NeoPhoenix, Thirdy moved to Dubai Basketball Club — a new team sa ABA League that has teams from Serbia, Croatia, at Slovenia. This is a huge deal dahil kasama siya sa core ng bagong international squad.

Francis “LeBron” Lopez

Former UAAP Rookie of the Year and UP star, he’s now with the Fighting Eagles Nagoya in the B.League. Standing at 6’6″ with high-level athleticism, si Lopez ay isa sa pinaka-promising young Pinoys playing abroad.

RJ Abarrientos

A former FEU Tamaraw, RJ was Rookie of the Year at the KBL with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus. Ngayon, nasa Shinshu Brave Warriors na siya sa Japan. First Pinoy to play professionally in both Korea and Japan — a solid trailblazer.

Ethan Alvano, SJ Belangel, Carl Tamayo, Ray Parks Jr.

• Ethan Alvano is the first non-Korean and Pinoy to become MVP at the KBL, with averages of 15.9 pts and 6.6 assists per game. Even when his team doesn’t reach the finals, he has garnered respect in Korea.
• SJ Belangel is doing well with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus. Consistent scorer and playmaker.
• Carl Tamayo helped Ryukyu Golden Kings win a championship. He’s proof na UAAP stars can thrive in Japan.
• Ray Parks Jr. had a breakout year sa Osaka Evessa, averaging 13.6 pts, 4.2 rebs, and 2.8 assists. He was also named B.League Asia Player of the Year.

Thanks to the Asian Player Quota policy of Japan at Korea, Filipino players don’t count as imports, kaya mas marami ang may opportunity na maglaro abroad. Nakaka-proud!

It’s important to keep up-to-date on the latest basketball news because the UAAP vs NCAA matchup sa Asiabasket is more than just a game — it’s about school spirit, history, and bragging rights all in one. It’s also always nice to know what’s going on in the international scene! Global exposure means local development — what they learn abroad, eventually babalik din sa Pilipinas through national teams or coaching.

From university hardcourts to international arenas, Pinoy basketball is thriving, and we’re here for all of it.

Kung mahilig ka sa sports betting online o interesado sa online sports betting, these games offer a lot of exciting angles to follow. Whether sa BK8 sports website or other platforms, fans can engage more deeply by tracking local and international Pinoy ballers.

BK8 sports offers odds and updates not just for PBA, but also for international leagues like the B.League and KBL — kung saan maraming Pinoy ang bida ngayon. Perfect para sa fans who want to mix passion with prediction.

So, what’s your take?

Sino sa mga Pinoy ballers abroad are you most proud of? Excited ka ba sa UAAP vs NCAA matchup sa Asiabasket? Share your thoughts sa comments, tag your fellow fans and share this article, or register on BK8 Philippines para palagi kang updated sa mga sports-related news in the Philippines!