Fortea hits clutch 3-pointer as UP escapes UST; La Salle stuns NU to force do or die

Terrence Fortea hit the clutch three-pointer that lifted University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons past University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, while De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers stunned the top-seeded National University (NU) Bulldogs to force a Final Four decider in a dramatic UAAP Season 88 semifinal at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Dec. 3.

The shot allowed UP to survive UST’s late surge and secure a spot in the Finals after a tense 82-81 result that nearly slipped away in the final seconds.

Fortea’s basket capped a comeback from an 81-79 deficit and steadied the Fighting Maroons after they briefly lost control of a double-digit lead.

UP clinched its fifth straight Finals berth and sixth in the last seven years.

Harold Alarcon led UP with 22 points as he helped the offense settle during UST’s early 11-0 burst and repeated mid-game rallies.

Francis Nnoruka added 19 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks while anchoring the defense whenever UST tried to push the pace or slash the margin.

Nic Cabañero fired 24 points in his final game for the Tigers but missed two potential game-winners in the dying moments.

Forth Padrigao and Collins Akowe combined for 17 points and 17 rebounds to keep UST within range despite UP’s third-quarter surge.

In the other semifinal bout, La Salle delivered an 87-77 upset over NU to extend the season to a rubber match on Dec. 6.

The Green Archers controlled the rhythm with strong rebounding and disciplined ball movement that repeatedly disrupted NU’s defensive shell.

Jacob Cortez nailed the late jumper and JC Macalalag buried the dagger triple that shut down NU’s last rally.

Mike Phillips with a double-double performance, dominated inside with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

La Salle and NU return to the Big Dome this weekend to determine UP’s Finals opponent.

Stats from UAAP