The UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball finale is officially set, and it’s a familiar, high-stakes showdown.
Defying all odds, the La Salle Green Archers completed a stunning upset of the top-seeded National University (NU) Bulldogs, 78-73, in a gripping Game 2 of the Final Four on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In a remarkable display of grit, the fourth-seeded Archers overcame the Bulldogs’ twice-to-beat advantage, securing the last berth in the championship series.
This victory makes La Salle the first number four seed to reach the UAAP Finals since UST achieved the feat in Season 82.
The triumph was engineered by a career performance from UAAP debutant Jacob Cortez.
Showing veteran poise in the clutch, Cortez dropped a game-high and career-high 29 points, including nine crucial markers in the final quarter to seal the deal.
He also tallied four rebounds and four assists in the hard-fought contest.
Earl Abadam provided solid support, chipping in 14 points and three boards.
The victory now pits the Green Archers against their arch-rivals, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
The upcoming championship battle marks the third straight season the two collegiate giants will dispute the coveted UAAP title, officially forging a highly anticipated Finals Trilogy.