With only six game days remaining in the ongoing UAAP Season 87 basketball tournament, the battle for the final two playoff spots heats up. As of November 5, 2024, only two teams have secured their playoff berths – reigning champions De La Salle University Green Archers (10-1), who are assured of a twice-to-beat advantage, and last year’s finalists, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
The University of the East Red Warriors currently holds third place with a 6-5 win-loss record, followed closely by the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 5-6. Just outside the top four are the Adamson University Soaring Falcons and the Far East University Tamaraws, with an identical 4-7 card. Surprisingly, no team has been eliminated from playoff contention at this stage of the tournament, though the National University Bulldogs and the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (both 3-8) would need miracles to secure their playoff spots.
| Team | Record | Remaining Games | Playoff Requirements |
| UE Red Warriors | 6-5 | vs UST (Nov 9) vs Ateneo (Nov 13) vs UP (TBD) | 1 win for a knockout game 2-3 wins for direct qualification |
| UST Growling Tigers | 5-6 | vs NU (Nov 6) vs UE (Nov 9) vs Adamson (Nov 13) | 2 wins for a knockout game 3 wins for direct qualification |
| Adamson Soaring Falcons | 4-7 | vs NU (Nov 10 vs UST (Nov 13) vs Ateneo (TBD) | Must win all remaining games for a knockout game Depends on the results of other teams |
| FEU Tamaraws | 4-7 | vs DLSU (Nov 6) vs Ateneo (Nov 9) vs UP (Nov 16) | Must win all remaining games for a knockout game Depends on the results of other teams |
UE Red Warriors: Strong Start but Recent Struggles
After dropping their first two games of the season, the University of the East Red Warriors quickly bounced back and defeated their next five opponents to finish the first round with an impressive 5-2 record. Their momentum was halted in the second-round opener against defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers, falling 68-77. Though the Red Warriors rebounded with a 74-58 victory over the National University Bulldogs, they subsequently dropped two straight games to the Adamson University Soaring Falcons and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
UST Growling Tigers: Season of Inconsistency
The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers has shown inconsistency throughout Season 87. They started strong with victories over UE and Ateneo, before splitting their next two games – losing to Adamson but defeating NU. Back-to-back losses against tournament leaders DLSU and UP followed though they closed the first round with a win over FEU. Their second round opened with tough challenges, falling to UP (73-83) and DLSU (87-94) in overtime, followed by a surprising home-court loss to Ateneo (64-67). The Tigers have shown signs of recovery with a recent 79-70 victory over FEU, as they prepare for crucial matchups against NU, UE, and Adamson.
Graphic Design By: Patrick Rodriguez
Adamson Soaring Falcons: Fighting Against the Odds
The Adamson University Soaring Falcons face an uphill battle in their semifinal quest. Their campaign was significantly hampered by a five-game losing streak spanning the end of the first round and the start of the second round. However, their recent low-scoring victory over UE (45-37) has kept their hopes alive. The Falcons must now replicate their first-round success against both NU and UST, before facing a crucial final matchup against their first-round nemesis, Ateneo, which could determine their playoff fate.
FEU Tamaraws: Late Season Revival
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws endured a difficult start to Season 87, opening with a five-game losing streak before finally securing a win against Ateneo, though they ended the first round with a loss to UST. The Tamaraws found their rhythm in the second round, claiming revenge victories against Adamson, NU, and UE. However, their path to the playoffs remains challenging with matchups against tournament leaders DLSU, Ateneo, and UP. Even if they manage to win all remaining games, their final four hopes will still depend on other teams’ results.
