Editor’s Note: Each week, SPIN.ph will select the top five players by position in the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

NOW, we are well and truly in the home stretch of the season.

Two teams are now out of contention in the Final Four race, meaning the race for third and fourth place is tighter than ever, with four more teams still looking to clinch those elusive tickets.

With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s top performers.

Guard: Janrey Pasaol (FUE)

11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist against La Salle; 14 points (5/8 FG), 7 rebounds, 6 assists against Ateneo

PHOTO: UAAP Media Office

Veejay Pre has been superb, but remember FEU has more capable recruits to show off.

Pasaol is certainly not far behind, demonstrating the bright future of Tamaraw’s backcourt in the latter stages of the eliminations.

Steady to this point, the younger brother of EU great Alvin notched career highs in points and rebounds in FEU’s conquest against Ateneo.

And if he continues to play this way, the future might arrive soon enough in the present that we don’t need to wait that long to see this FIRE juggernaut come to life.

Guard: JC Macalalag (The Hall)

9 points (4/5 FG), 2 rebounds, 2 assists against FEU; 9 points (4/5 FG), 2 assists, 1 rebound vs. UP

PHOTO: UAAP Media Office

Consider this transition a success.

Moving from winger to guard, Macalalag has done a remarkable job in his adjustment and has been a consistent contributor for La Salle, as evidenced by his decent performances in past games.

The numbers may still tip in favor of the top-ranked, but expect third-year La Salle Greenhills swingman to be right there among the leaders, guiding the top-seeded Green Archers to stay at the top and hopefully , towards a consecutive match. .

Before: Nicolas Cabanero (UST)

27 points (2/5 3PT), 8 rebounds, 1 assist against UE

PHOTO: UAAP Media Office

Don’t forget that the University of Santo Tomas is still on Nic Cabanero’s team.

The Growling Tigers leader stepped up when it mattered most, putting the team on his back in its must-win game against Eastern University that may have just saved its season.

Cabanero’s super scoring abilities have never been in question, but his improved shot from deep has been a sight to behold and many believe the fourth-year winger is now ready for the pros.

For the UST faithful, they probably don’t want to do that yet.

Before: Michael Phillips (The Hall)

17 points (8/13 FG), 15 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists, 2 blocks vs FEU; 14 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal against UP

PHOTO: Sherwin Vardeleon

I mean, what did we expect from Motor Mike?

Always the bundle of energy on the court, he was the catalyst for La Salle’s two victories this week by sheltering from an off-shooting Kevin Quiambao.

But that doesn’t mean he’s just a reliever, his refined offensive game only helping his legendary team with his undeniable defensive efforts.

It’s no surprise that this earned him another UAAP Player of the Week citation from the Collegiate Press Corps – his second this campaign.

Center: Mo Konateh (FIRE)

14 points, 27 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist, 1 block against La Salle; 11 points, 21 rebounds, 2 blocks against Ateneo

PHOTO: UAAP Media Office

At this stage, figures are already expected from Konateh.

But more than the stats, what makes the Gambian a key piece for FEU is the way he commanded the defense as Morayta’s crew made a late push in the second round.

With Precious Momowei and Mo Tounkara now out of the awards race following their suspensions, it is now clear that a place on the legendary team is Konateh’s to lose.

6th man: AJ Fransman (Adamson)

18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal against NU

PHOTO: Sherwin Vardeleon

This is probably one of the most hotly contested spots this season given the number of exceptional matches across the league.

But Fransman takes over this week after setting a career-high in points, which coincided with keeping Adamson alive in the playoff race.

This is a big step forward for the Enderun Colleges transfer, but it couldn’t have come at a better time when the Soaring Falcons need it most.

Still, hats off to the efforts of National University’s PJ Palacielo this week, as well as those of UP’s JD Cagulangan, UE’s Jack Cruz-Dumont and, of course, KQ for posting solid numbers this week.

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