UAAP Season 85 Basketball: Top 5 Most Exciting Games You Might Have Missed
I still remember the opening day of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine like it was yesterday—the buzz in Paco Arena was electric, yet one notable absence cast a shadow over the proceedings. Consensus top pick Bella Belen wasn't there, and honestly, it got me thinking about how easily we can miss pivotal moments in sports when our attention drifts elsewhere. That's precisely why I decided to look back at UAAP Season 85 basketball and compile my personal list of the top five most thrilling games that might have slipped under your radar. As someone who's followed collegiate basketball for over a decade, I've seen how these under-the-radar clashes often deliver the raw emotion and unpredictability that define the sport's essence. Let me walk you through these hidden gems, starting with a game that had me on the edge of my seat until the final buzzer.
The first game that comes to mind is the Ateneo-La Salle showdown in mid-October, a nail-biter that went into double overtime before Ateneo clinched it 88-85. I was covering this one live, and the intensity was off the charts—you could feel the rivalry in every possession. What made it special wasn't just the scoreline, but how both teams adapted on the fly, with Ateneo's defense forcing 15 turnovers that turned into 20 fast-break points. From my perspective, this game highlighted why UAAP basketball often outshines professional leagues in pure passion; the players weren't just executing plays, they were pouring their hearts out. I've always believed that games like these, where every second counts, are what make sports fandom so rewarding, and this one had me cheering louder than I have in years.
Another unforgettable match was the UP vs FEU encounter in November, where UP staged a stunning comeback from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 75-72. I recall watching the stats closely—UP shot an impressive 48% from the field in that final period, which is no small feat under pressure. Personally, I think this game showcased the mental toughness that often gets overlooked in collegiate athletes; it's easy to focus on star players, but here, it was the collective resilience that stole the show. I've seen my fair share of comebacks, but this one felt different because of how the crowd's energy shifted, turning what seemed like a sure loss into a victory that had everyone talking for days. If you missed this, you missed a masterclass in never giving up, something I wish more young players would take to heart.
Then there was the Adamson-UE game that many dismissed as a lower-tier battle, but boy, were they wrong. Adamson pulled off a 68-67 win with a last-second three-pointer, and I still get chills thinking about that shot. The numbers might not jump out—Adamson only had 8 assists total, which is low by any standard—but the drama was unparalleled. From where I sat, this game proved that rankings don't always dictate excitement; sometimes, the underdogs deliver the most memorable moments. I've always had a soft spot for games like this, where sheer will trumps talent, and it reminded me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. If you skipped this because it wasn't a headline matchup, you missed a lesson in why every game matters.
The fourth game on my list is the NU-UST clash that went down to the wire, with NU securing a 80-78 victory thanks to a clutch free throw in the final seconds. I was analyzing the player movements that day, and NU's defense held UST to just 35% shooting in the second half, which is a stat that doesn't get enough credit. In my view, this was a textbook example of how defense wins games, even when the offense isn't firing on all cylinders. I've often argued that fans focus too much on scoring, but this game was a reminder that the unsung heroes in defense can be just as thrilling. It's one of those matches I'd recommend rewatching if you want to appreciate the finer details of the sport, and it solidified my belief that UAAP seasons are packed with hidden drama.
Lastly, the De La Salle-UP rematch in the eliminations was a rollercoaster, with La Salle edging out a 82-80 win after a back-and-forth battle that saw 10 lead changes. I remember jotting down notes on how La Salle's bench contributed 25 points, a crucial factor that often goes unnoticed. Personally, I think this game underscored the depth of talent in the league—it wasn't just about the starters, but the whole squad stepping up. Having covered numerous seasons, I can say this one had a playoff-like atmosphere that's rare in early rounds, and it left me convinced that UAAP Season 85 was one for the ages. If you didn't catch it, you missed a glimpse into how teamwork can trump individual brilliance, a theme I've seen play out time and again in sports.
Reflecting on these games, it's clear that UAAP Season 85 was brimming with moments that could easily be overshadowed by bigger headlines, much like how Bella Belen's absence at the PVL Combine might have diverted attention from other rising stars. In my experience, that's the beauty of sports—the hidden gems often hold the most value, teaching us about resilience, strategy, and pure joy. I hope this list inspires you to dig deeper into past seasons, because as a longtime fan and analyst, I've learned that the best stories aren't always the ones in the spotlight. Let's keep celebrating these overlooked battles—they're what make the game truly unforgettable.
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