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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Collins Akowe turns heads in UST debut

Collins Akowe turns heads in UST debut

Published Sep 22, 2025 03:25 pm

At A Glance

  • Collins Akowe was just as good as advertised after lifting the Forthsky Padrigao-less UST to a momentum-building 87-67 win over reigning champion University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena last Sunday, Sept. 21.
UST's Collins Akowe is a force to be reckoned with. (UAAP Media)
UST's Collins Akowe is a force to be reckoned with. (UAAP Media)
Collins Akowe was just as good as advertised after lifting the Forthsky Padrigao-less UST to a momentum-building 87-67 win over reigning champion University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena last Sunday, Sept. 21.
In his UST debut, the 18-year-old Akowe impressed after putting up a monstrous 29-point, 17-rebound performance on top of one assist, one steal and one block.
But for the hardworking 6-foot-10 Nigerian, he is just making sure to put his best foot forward and repay the trust UST had given him.
“Actually, it's a great feeling, you know, taking advantage of the home court. Also, I just have to do what I gotta do, man,” said Akowe.
“I'm representing UST [and] I have to take it upon myself. They're taking care of me, so this is the only way I can pay them back, so, I'm just doing the job,” he added.
Aside from giving the Pido Jarencio-mentored crew a great start, Akowe also powered the Tigers to their first-ever win against the Fighting Maroons since the Season 81 step-ladder semifinals in 2019.
“Actually, coming into the game, man. I just had to clear my head and I told myself, wherever I reach, man, I just gotta do it,” Akowe continued.
“And again, I just had to clear my head. That's just it. Just play [and] wherever comes, comes. If I score, fine. If I don't, I just gotta help the team in whichever way I can. That's it,” he added.
He was a high-school superstar who won several individual accolades including the Most Valuable Players and Best Foreign Student-Athlete (FSA) awards in Season 86 and 87, respectively.
Akowe’s presence was a big boost for the heavy scorers Padrigao and Nic Cabañero, who are both playing their final season.
“I'm looking forward to that match-up. It's just basketball. It's going to start on the basketball court. I'm just going to do what I have to do,” he concluded. “That's more of it. I'm even happy playing against UP in my first game.”
Up next for Akowe and the Tigers is De La Salle University this Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Related Tags

Collins Akowe UST Growling Tigers UAAP Season 88
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