DLSU upsets NU for finals berth vs. UP in UAAP S88 basketball finals

DLSU Green Archers defied all odds in the UAAP Season 88 Final Four, overcoming a twice-to-beat disadvantage against the NU Bulldogs to earn a spot in the Men’s Basketball Finals against the UP Fighting Maroons, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Dec. 6.

After forcing a do-or-die game in their previous matchup, the Green Archers went toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs before edging a five-point lead to secure a 78-73 victory.

Despite the win, La Salle opened the game sluggishly as NU controlled the pace and built an early lead in the first quarter, 14-20.

The tight gap carried over into the second canto, with the Bulldogs continuing to pressure the Green Archers on both ends to maintain a 30-36 halftime lead.

La Salle found its groove in the third quarter behind Lasallian guard Jacob Cortez, who repeatedly fired from beyond the arc and knocked down a deep three-pointer to trim the deficit to just one, 53-54.

Cortez spearheaded La Salle’s comeback victory after marking 29 points, four rebounds, and another four assists

Earl Abadam and Vhoris Marasiga added 14 and 10 points, respectively, while Mike Phillips anchored the interior with a strong rebounding effort.

For NU, Jake Figueroa led the Bulldogs all season en route to securing the top seed before being eliminated by the third-seeded Green Archers.

La Salle now sets its sights on the UP Fighting Maroons as they meet once again in their highly anticipated trilogy showdown in the UAAP Season 88 Finals on Dec. 10.