UP Secures Fifth Consecutive UAAP Men’s Basketball Finals Berth as La Salle Forces Decider Against NU

In a thrilling UAAP Men's Basketball semifinal at the Araneta Coliseum, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons narrowly defeated the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers 82-81, securing a place in the finals for the fifth consecutive season to defend their Season 87 title.

Veteran Terrence Fortea played a pivotal role by sinking a critical three-pointer with 48 seconds remaining, extinguishing UST’s late surge and putting UP in the lead. Following this, UP’s Francis Nnoruka made a crucial block on Nic Cabañero’s final shot attempt, preserving the one-point advantage.

"It was an intense game, but our composure down the stretch made the difference," Fortea remarked. Nnoruka, despite sustaining a left leg injury during the third quarter, contributed 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, demonstrating resilience. Supporting efforts included Harold Alarcon’s team-high 22 points and Fortea’s 8 points with an impressive +15 plus-minus rating.

UST’s Cabañero finished with a game-high 24 points, while Gelo Crisostomo added 15 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Freshmen Collins Akowe recorded a notable double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, though the Growling Tigers fell just short.

In a separate semifinal contest earlier in the day, the De La Salle Green Archers capitalized on the return of key guard Kean Baclaan to dominate the top-seeded National University Bulldogs. La Salle controlled the game from the outset, posting a 22-9 run in the opening quarter and sustaining momentum to close with an 87-77 victory.

Baclaan, returning from an eight-game hiatus due to an MCL injury, contributed 6 points and 2 assists in 19 minutes off the bench. Guard Jacob Cortez led La Salle’s scoring with 13 points, while captain Mike Phillips posted a commanding double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds.

"Kean’s return boosted our depth, and everyone stepped up," Phillips said. Mason Amos added timely three-pointers late in the game to quell NU’s rallies.

NU’s Jake Figueroa put up 20 points and 10 rebounds but was hampered by eight turnovers, several in the crucial final minutes, undermining the Bulldogs’ late effort to close the gap. Omar John contributed 12 points.

The victory forced a decisive do-or-die match scheduled for Saturday, December 6, at the Araneta Coliseum, where La Salle and NU will battle for the right to face UP in the finals.

Final Scores:

La Salle Green Archers 87 — Cortez 13, Phillips 12, Gollena 11, Marasigan 10, Pablo 9, Macalalag 9, Amos 8, Abadam 6, Baclaan 6, Dungo 3.

NU Bulldogs 77 — Figueroa 20, John 12, Enriquez 8, Manansala 8, Jumamoy 7, Francisco 6.

UP Fighting Maroons 82 — Alarcon 22, Nnoruka 19, Remogat 9, Fortea 8, Abadiano 8, Torres 5.

UST Growling Tigers 81 — Cabañero 24, Crisostomo 15, Akowe 11, Paranada 10, Padrigao 6.

These results intensify the anticipation ahead of the UAAP men’s basketball finals matchup as UP looks to extend its championship reign, while La Salle and NU vie for a chance to challenge the defending champions.