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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Archers exact revenge on Maroons to claim 11th UAAP title

Archers exact revenge on Maroons to claim 11th UAAP title

Published Dec 17, 2025 06:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Eager to regain what was lost last year, De La Salle came out inspired this time and struck back at University of the Philippines, 80-72, to reclaim the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball crown at the jam-packed Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Dec. 17.
(UAAP Media)
(UAAP Media)
Paint the town green.
Eager to regain what was lost last year, De La Salle came out inspired this time and struck back at University of the Philippines, 80-72, to reclaim the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball crown at the jam-packed Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Dec. 17.
As expected, both squads slugged it out in every possession in front of the 24,339 fans inside the Big Dome, but it was the Green Archers who showed better composure in the endgame after they seized a 74-69 lead thanks to the crucial baskets of Mike Phillips, Vhoris Marasigan and Jacob Cortez before Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan calmly sank their free throws.
The Maroons tried to retake the upper hand, but turnovers in the final minute hurt them the most with the Archers making sure to convert the charities on the other end.
Aside from exacting its revenge on UP in their Finals trilogy, the Taft-based squad captured its 11th overall crown in the UAAP and also the second title for head coach Topex Robinson and Phillips, who had fulfilled his collegiate playing years.
“I think one of the big keys in this win was that these guys talked a lot and they trust themselves, and to the coaches, I guess having those guys around, is a true blessing for me [and us],” said Robinson.
“Our adversities really strengthened our faith and this series is a journey worth remembering. We also have to honor and acknowledge UP for bringing out the best in us, but again, we're grateful and blessed to win another championship,” he added.
Phillips was named as the Finals MVP after his spectacular outing of 25 points and 18 rebounds on top of one assist and one block. Mason Amos played his best game in the series after posting 11 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.
“We just keep going, no matter what we are facing, we keep showing up and I’m just happy that we delivered this game,” said Phillips.
The title win of Game 1 hero Jacob Cortez, who listed nine points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals, was a special one as he achieved what his father Mike did more than two decades ago with the same squad.
It was also an emotional triumph for Amos and Baclaan, who posted eight point, two rebounds, and one steal, after they both suffered injuries during the elimination round that evidently affected La Salle’s early campaign this season.
On the other hand, the finals loss was a total heartbreaker for UP, especially to the "Maroon Five" which was composed of graduating players Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres.
Noy Remogat paced UP with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Francis Nnoruka and Torres added 16 and 11 points respectively, in a losing cause.
La Salle dominated the opening minutes with Phillips orchestrating a personal 8-4 run that gave the Green Archers a 17-13 lead in the first quarter.
The Archers stretched the lead to nine, 32-23, behind the contributions of Phillips, Baclaan, Marasigan, and Amos.
From there, La Salle and UP exchanged leads before the Archers turned on the jets midway of the final canto to outpace and deny the two-peat bid of the Maroons.
The scores:
DLSU 80 – Phillips 25, Amos 11, Marasigan 10, Cortez 9, Abadam 9, Baclaan 8, Macalalag 4, Pablo 4, Gollena 0.
UP 72 – Remogat 21, Nnoruka 16, Torres 11, Abadiano 7, Alarcon 6, Stevens 6, Bayla 3, Alter 2, Fortea 0, Belmonte 0,
Yñiguez 0, Palanca 0.
Quarters: 19-16, 40-41, 58-59, 80-72.

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