The DLSU Green Archers seek to ride their momentum into Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 Finals as they take on the UP Fighting Maroons.
De La Salle University storms into the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals riding the kind of momentum that championship runs are built on, as it opens its title duel against the University of the Philippines in Game 1 of the best-of-three series on Wednesday, December 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Green Archers punched their ticket to the Finals in spectacular fashion, eliminating top-seeded National University with back-to-back do-or-die wins.
Their 78–73 triumph in the sudden-death Final Four showcased resilience, composure, and a star stepping into the spotlight.
That star was Jacob Cortez, who delivered the best game of his collegiate career at the perfect moment.
Before more than 12,000 fans at the Araneta Coliseum, Cortez erupted for 29 points, including the clutch jumper inside the final minute that sealed La Salle’s epic comeback.
[ALSO READ: La Salle powered by familiar name of 'Cortez' in UAAP Finals trilogy vs UP]
What made La Salle’s victory even more impressive was the timing. The Green Archers had been swept by NU in the eliminations and entered the Final Four as the No. 4 seed, nearly missing the playoff cut entirely after a turbulent stretch marked by injuries and suspensions.
Yet when the stakes were highest, La Salle rediscovered its identity — depth, defense, and grit.
Cortez’s brilliance was matched by valuable contributions from the rest of the roster.
Earl Abadam stepped up with 14 big points, Vhoris Marasigan added 10, and captain Mike Phillips anchored the interior with an all-around gem with eight points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
La Salle’s back-to-back knockout wins also placed the program in rare company, becoming only the third fourth seed in the Final Four era to make the championship round. But the job is far from finished.
Now comes the trilogy.
With La Salle and UP splitting the last two championships — Archers in Season 86, Maroons in Season 87 — Season 88’s Finals serve as the tiebreaker in one of modern UAAP basketball’s defining rivalries.
[ALSO READ: The UP-DLSU Rivalry: Looking back on high-stakes showdowns since UAAP Season 84]
But for the Taft side, the mission remains simple: bring the same intensity, share-the-load offense, and fourth-quarter toughness that carried them through NU.
Game 1 tips off at 4:00 p.m.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[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.]