The DLSU Green Archers gear up for the decisive Game 3 as they look to reclaim the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball crown against the UP Fighting Maroons.
Everything comes down to one final game for De La Salle University as it prepares for a winner-take-all showdown against defending champion University of the Philippines in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals on Wednesday, December 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tip off is set for 3:30 p.m., but long before the opening jump, anticipation is already building for the finale of a rivalry trilogy that has delivered no shortage of drama, intensity, and defining moments.
For La Salle, this is a chance to reclaim the crown and to finish what its started after seizing early control of the series.
After absorbing a narrow 63–66 loss in Game 2, the Green Archers are intent on rediscovering the edge that carried them to victories in their first three meetings this season, including a 74–70 triumph in Game 1 of the Finals.
One of the players expected to play a pivotal role in that response is Vhoris Marasigan, who will look to atone his potential title-clinching miss back in Game 2.
[ALSO READ: Vhoris Marasigan unshaken after potential title-winning shot rims out in La Salle’s Game 2 loss]
La Salle knows it must match UP’s physicality and composure, especially with all eyes on their main gun Jacob Cortez.
Alongside Mike Phillips and Luis Pablo in the interior, Marasigan helps anchor a lineup that thrives on collective effort.
Support from JC Macalalag, EJ Gollena, Doy Dungo, and Earl Abadam will be crucial, while Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan are tasked with providing timely offensive sparks to stretch UP’s defense.
[ALSO READ: Luis Pablo relishes tough defensive role vs Harold Alarcon: 'I want to guard every position']
With the season, the rivalry, and the UAAP crown all on the line, Marasigan and the rest of the Green Archers understand what is required to bring the title back to Taft and cap Season 88 on their own terms.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo/One Sports)
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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.]