November 23, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle gained an inside track to the Final Four, essaying a crucial 87-82 comeback win over reigning champion and erstwhile red-hot UP in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers, who trailed by as many as 16 points, staged a telling 9-0 rally in the last four minutes and held on in the clutch to check a costly three-game slump that endangered their Final Four chances for a 7-6 slate and solo fourth place.
La Salle, which welcomed Mason Amos back from an MCL injury in the first round, now holds its own fate amid a logjam featuring Adamson (6-7), Far Eastern U (6-7) and Ateneo (5-7).
La Salle handed UP its first loss in the second round for a 10-4 finish. NU, at 11-2, will end up at No. 1.
Far Eastern U also stayed in hunt for a Final Four seat after fending off cellar-dweller University of the East, 84-77.
The Tamaraws led by as many as 16 points but had to weather the Red Warriors’ late storm for their second straight victory. The Red Warriors bowed winless in 14 games.