2025-11-14 12:00
As I sit down to analyze the current UAAP Women's Basketball standings, I can't help but reflect on how this season has unfolded with some genuinely surprising developments. Having followed collegiate basketball in the Philippines for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of standout players and unexpected team performances, but this year feels particularly special. The competition has been fierce, with teams battling it out in what I consider one of the most balanced seasons in recent memory. Right now, the standings show National University holding the top spot with an impressive 12-2 record, followed closely by De La Salle University at 11-3, and University of Santo Tomas rounding out the top three with a 10-4 tally. These numbers aren't just statistics—they tell a story of dedication, strategy, and raw talent that deserves closer examination.
What strikes me most about this season is how coaching philosophies have visibly shaped team performances. I recall watching an interview where National University's head coach Allen Ricardo spoke about his faith in Jonathan Moses, the young player he's been mentoring since high school. "Definitely, Jonathan can lead," Ricardo told SPIN.ph, and honestly, that statement resonates deeply when you watch their games. Moses isn't just playing; she's elevating everyone around her, averaging what I estimate to be around 14.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game based on my tracking. Her leadership on court reminds me of why I fell in love with women's basketball—the sheer determination and tactical intelligence that often gets overlooked in favor of the men's game. When Ricardo talks about mentoring her since high school, it shows in her poised decision-making during crunch time, something you can't teach overnight.
Looking at the middle of the pack, teams like Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines are sitting at 8-6 and 7-7 respectively, fighting for that crucial fourth playoff spot. Frankly, I think Ateneo has underperformed given their roster depth, but their recent games show promise. Their point guard, Maria Linares, has been putting up what I'd guess are about 11.5 points per game, though she needs better support from the bench. Meanwhile, UP's defense has been surprisingly stout, holding opponents to under 65 points in their last three outings based on my calculations. It's these subtle shifts that make the UAAP women's basketball scene so compelling—you never know which team will click at the right moment.
The lower-ranked teams, including Far Eastern University at 5-9 and Adamson University at 4-10, face tougher challenges. FEU's shooting percentages have dipped to what I observe as roughly 38% from the field, which just isn't sustainable if they want to compete with the top squads. Adamson, on the other hand, shows flashes of brilliance but struggles with consistency—their turnover rate must be hovering around 18 per game, a number that keeps them from closing out tight contests. I've always had a soft spot for underdogs, so part of me hopes they can turn things around in the second round, but realistically, their playoff chances look slim unless they address fundamental ball-handling issues.
When I think about what separates the top teams from the rest, it boils down to leadership and coaching synergy. Ricardo's comment about Moses isn't just coach speak—it's a testament to how vital player-coach relationships are in women's basketball. At La Salle, for instance, their coach's emphasis on defensive discipline has resulted in what I'd approximate as 6.2 steals per game, creating easy transition opportunities. UST's focus on three-point shooting—they're likely hitting about 34% from beyond the arc—complements their inside game perfectly. These strategic nuances, combined with individual brilliance, create the dynamic standings we see today.
As we approach the final stretch of eliminations, I believe National University will maintain their lead, thanks to Moses' influence and Ricardo's steady hand. La Salle might narrow the gap, but NU's roster depth gives them an edge in back-to-back games. My prediction? The final standings will see NU at 14-2, La Salle at 13-3, and UST at 11-5, setting up thrilling semifinal matchups. Of course, upsets happen—that's why we watch—but based on current form, these projections feel right. The beauty of UAAP women's basketball lies in its unpredictability, though, so I wouldn't be shocked if Ateneo makes a late surge.
In wrapping up, this season reinforces why I advocate for more coverage of women's sports. The narratives, like Ricardo's mentorship of Moses, add layers to the game that statistics alone can't capture. While the standings provide a snapshot, the real story unfolds in practices, locker rooms, and those clutch moments when players like Moses take charge. As a longtime follower, I'm excited to see how these final games play out—and maybe, just maybe, witness an underdog story for the ages.
