University of Santo Tomas is roaring to redeem its second place finish in UAAP Season 73 as it clinches the top spot halfway into the football tournament’s first round.

Defending champion University of the Philippines, however, is in limbo after finishing its past two games in draws.

The España-based booters currently lead the race with 7 points after clobbering Ateneo de Manila University 2-0 on Sunday. Fidel Kue scored in the 55th minute followed by Christian de Juan six minutes later. With a 1-1 draw against De La Salle University on Wednesday, they now have a 2-1-0 record.

UP, however, is in a scoring slump after winning over Ateneo 2-0 on the tournament’s opening day.

But it’s too early to tell: UST was trailing DLSU in the standings last season until it ousted the Taft squad for 2nd place and the right to face topnotcher UP for the title.

UST faces UP for a finals rematch on January 29 at the Ateneo HS field.

Current standings can be found after the slideshow.

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UAAP Men’s Football Standings as of January 22, 2011 (W-D-L record)
UST (2-1-0, 7 pts)
UP (1-2-0, 5 pts)
ADMU (1-0-2, 3 pts)
DLSU (0-3-0, 3 pts)
FEU (0-2-1, 2 pts)
UE (0-2-1, 2 pts)