UAAP Finals: La Salle reclaims the UAAP throne in a trilogy for the ages

The trilogy did not just end with a champion — it ended with a statement.

On a Wednesday night thick with history and expectation, De La Salle University climbed back to the summit of the UAAP men’s basketball mountain, outlasting the University of the Philippines, 80–72, in a sudden-death Game 3 that felt as much like a reckoning as it did a finale.

For three straight seasons, the Green Archers and the Fighting Maroons had defined the league. La Salle struck first in Season 86. UP answered in Season 87. Season 88, fittingly, demanded everything from both — and gave the last word to green.

Before a roaring crowd of 24,339 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, La Salle reclaimed the crown it last held in 2023 and closed one of the most compelling three-year rivalries the UAAP has ever seen.

“This series is a journey worth remembering,” said head coach Topex Robinson, moments after clinching La Salle’s 11th UAAP championship. “Our adversities really strengthened our faith. We also have to honor and acknowledge UP for bringing out the best in us, but again, grateful and blessed to win another championship.”

The game itself mirrored the series — tight, bruising, and unforgiving.

UP briefly seized momentum midway through the fourth when Noy Remogat drilled a triple-and-one to give the Fighting Maroons a 67–64 edge with 4:09 left, even though the free throw rimmed out. It was the kind of swing that had decided earlier games.

This time, La Salle answered.

Vhoris Marasigan ignited the response, steadying the Green Archers and sparking the run that would tilt the balance for good. With that surge, La Salle etched another piece of history, becoming only the second No. 4 seed in the Final Four era to win it all — joining National University’s Season 77 run in 2014.

The closing minute tested La Salle’s composure — a season-long weakness — but the Archers found calm when it mattered most. After UP pulled within one, 73–72, on Remogat’s free throws with 1:05 remaining, injured stalwarts Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos stepped to the line and delivered perfection, going 6-of-6 in the final 64 seconds.

UP had chances to flip the script, but three empty possessions followed. JC Macalalag’s fastbreak layup with 31.4 seconds left finally broke the tension, pushing the lead to 76–69 and sealing the outcome.

ANIMO LEGACY RESTORED

Showing unwavering courage from the Taft side, the DLSU Green Archers conquer their rivals UP Fighting Maroons to shoot back to the top as #UAAPSeason88 Men’s Basketball Champions!

Photo Courtesy: One Sports/Cignal#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/3t6MHIRpHP

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) December 17, 2025

At the heart of it all was Mike Phillips.

The La Salle senior authored his defining performance when it mattered most, pouring in 25 points and 18 rebounds on an efficient 12-of-17 shooting night. After relatively quiet Games 1 and 2, Phillips dominated Game 3, averaging 13.3 points and 13.7 rebounds across the trilogy to earn Finals MVP honors.

“Jesus brought us to rock bottom so he could show us that He is the rock. Jesus Christ is the one who saved us,” Phillips said. “I just wanted to give my heart out for La Salle.”

The victory was forged long before Game 3. La Salle’s season began shakily at 2–3, marred by injuries to Amos and Baclaan, suspensions, and constant lineup disruptions. Yet the Green Archers clawed their way to an 8–6 finish, then shocked top-seeded NU twice to even reach the Finals.

In the championship series, La Salle took Game 1, 74–70. UP responded in Game 2, 66–63. Game 3 demanded resolve — and La Salle delivered.

Amos finished with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, and three blocks, while Marasigan added 10 points and two steals. Game 1 hero Jacob Cortez contributed across the board with nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, echoing his father Mike’s own championship legacy. Earl Abadam and Baclaan chipped in nine and eight points, respectively.

UP fought to the end. Remogat led the Maroons with 21 points, while Francis Nnoruka posted a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. Reyland Torres added 11 points, but La Salle’s defense limited Harold Alarcon to just six after his explosive 34-point outing in Game 1.

Beyond the trophy, the night marked farewells — for La Salle seniors Phillips and Bright Nwankwo, and for UP’s Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Gerry Abadiano, Torres, and Janjan Felicilda — all exiting a rivalry that will be replayed in UAAP lore.

Three seasons. Three Finals. Two proud programs trading blows at the highest level.

In the end, Season 88 belonged to La Salle — not just for winning the championship, but for surviving the climb back to the top and closing a trilogy that will be remembered long after the nets were cut down.

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