De La Salle Forces UAAP Men’s Basketball Semifinal Decider with Win Over National University

De La Salle University secured an 87-77 victory against top-ranked National University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, leveling the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball semifinal series and setting up a decisive rubber match.

Jacob Cortez led the Green Archers with 13 points, four assists, and two steals, while Mike Phillips contributed a double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds, along with two blocks. Fourth-seeded De La Salle will aim to clinch a Finals berth in Game 2 scheduled for Saturday.

Notably, Kean Baclaan returned from an MCL injury, and EJ Gollena came back from suspension for the Green Archers.

“We’re extremely grateful and blessed to be here. Again, we just tried to prolong the series,” said head coach Topex Robinson.

“Kean only resumed practice last week, so the players put in extra effort with the new lineup. Facing the No. 1 team means it’s always going to be a tough battle,” he added.

With contributions from Mason Amos, JC Macalalag, and Cortez, the Green Archers extended their lead to 71-54 in the fourth quarter. Cortez acknowledged the impact of their returning players, stating,

“Thank God Mason and Kean are back with us. Mason hit a couple of big shots, and Kean played composed. We’re focused on the next game, which is a do-or-die. We know NU is going to come hard, so it’s up to us to concentrate on our game plan.”

Gollena and Vhoris Marasigan added 11 and 10 points respectively, while Macalalag and Pablo chipped in nine points each. Amos contributed eight points, including two triples in the final frame.

For NU, Figueroa led with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, followed by Omar John with 12 points and five rebounds.

In women’s action, defending champion National University narrowly defeated Ateneo 67-66, setting up a championship clash with the undefeated University of Santo Tomas.

Ranked second in the stepladder playoffs with a 12-2 record, the Lady Bulldogs will be making their 11th consecutive finals appearance.

NU executed a crucial 9-1 run led by Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Marga Villanueva that tied the game at 66-all with one minute remaining. Angel Surada then split her free throws against Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula to seal the win.

“First, I want to thank the coaches and teammates for their effort. We dedicate this game to Coach DA. I’m proud of my teammates for not giving up until the final buzzer,” said Surada, who tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, six steals, two assists, and one block.

Although NU’s seven-year title streak was interrupted when UST won Season 86, the Lady Bulldogs reclaimed the crown last season.

Head coach DA Olan expressed his pride:

“Speechless. We weren’t at our best during the game, but the positive aspect is our players never quit. They showed incredible desire to win until the very end, even when things weren’t going our way.”

Villanueva paced the team with 16 points including four triples, along with three rebounds, two steals, and a block. Cayabyab added 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Pingol contributed 10 points, six rebounds, five steals, and one assist.

Ateneo’s Kacey dela Rosa posted 18 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Camille Malagar scored 18 points with six rebounds and two steals, helping the Blue Eagles improve to third place after three straight finishes at fourth.