The DLSU Green Archers fight for a return to the UAAP Finals as they face the no. 1 NU Bulldogs in a win-or-go-home Final Four showdown.
De La Salle University looks to finish what it started and punch its ticket back to the UAAP Finals as it faces National University in a win-or-go-home Season 88 Final Four showdown on Saturday, December 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fresh off an inspired 87–77 victory that finally ended NU’s dominance over them this season, the Green Archers enter the 3:30 p.m. matchup with renewed confidence.
More importantly, they now have momentum — something they hope to carry all the way to a championship showdown with the UP Fighting Maroons.
A major lift for La Salle came from the return of Kean Baclaan, whose composed playmaking, defense, and shot creation helped stabilize the Archers’ backcourt.
Baclaan rejoined Jacob Cortez for La Salle's dynamic backcourt tandem, supplying the spark that shifted the tempo and allowed the Green Archers to control key stretches of Game 1.
[ALSO READ: Kean Baclaan happy to be back in La Salle's UAAP Final Four duel vs NU]
The Green Archers also drew depth from top to bottom. Team captain Mike Phillips continued to anchor the interior, while Vhoris Marasigan and JC Macalalag provided timely scoring.
Role players EJ Gollena, Luis Pablo, and Mason Amos delivered crucial minutes, helping La Salle match the physicality of NU’s frontline while limiting the impact of the Bulldogs’ top threats.
[ALSO READ: La Salle parades complete lineup to stay alive vs NU in UAAP Final Four]
Despite committing 17 turnovers, La Salle managed to dictate long stretches of the contest — a sign of how well-rounded and composed the team has become under coach Topex Robinson.
But Robinson remains cautious, knowing NU topped the eliminations and will not go down quietly.
With a Finals slot at stake and both teams playing with their backs to the wall, La Salle seeks to seize the moment.
The match will be available on the Pilipinas Live app.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
—
[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]