La Salle completes Final Four cast, ousts Ateneo, FEU

MANILA, Philippines – The Final Four cast in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament is now complete. 

The La Salle Green Archers clinched the fourth and last semifinal spot after overcoming rival Ateneo Blue Eagles in the final game of the elimination round, 78-72, at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, November 26. 

With the victory, the Green Archers set up a Final Four clash with the top-seeded NU Bulldogs and avoided a three-way tie, as well as a stepladder for the No. 4 seed, as they improved their record to 8-6, eliminating both the Blue Eagles (6-8) and the FEU Tamaraws (7-7) from contention.

The Tamaraws defeated the playoff-bound UST Growling Tigers earlier, 81-79. 

“These are the times that I was dreaming of when I was young, watching Ateneo-La Salle games, and I always tell these guys that you’re part of this moment right now, so make sure that you’re going to make lasting memories,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson.

“During the first half, we were struggling because we were so over our emotions and we forgot to trust each other. Just give credit to these guys. They (Jacob Cortez and Mike Phillips) really took care of us,” added Robinson as the Green Archers fought their way back from an 11-point disadvantage in the third quarter, 47-58. 

La Salle leaned on the heroics of Jacob Cortez, who torched Ateneo by scoring 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, none bigger than the dagger pull-up jumper over Waki Espina with 12 seconds left which extended the Green Archers’ lead to two possessions, 76-72.

Prior to Cortez’s clutch hit, it was Mike Phillips who put the Green Archers in the driver’s seat, 74-72, with a tip-in basket with 46 seconds to go. 

Cortez shot a very efficient 9-of-12 clip to reach his game-high output, while Phillips delivered his usual double-double stat line of 13 points and 16 rebounds. 

Vhoris Marasigan also finished in double-digit scoring for La Salle with 12 points before getting disqualified late in the fourth quarter due to two technical fouls, while Luis Pablo and JC Macalalag chipped in 9 and 8 points, respectively.

Dom Escobar led five Ateneo players in double figures with 18 points, Kymani Ladi put up 13 points, Divine Adili and Jared Bahay scored 11 each, while Espina finished with 10.

The Blue Eagles had two chances to pull closer in the final minute of the ball game, but costly turnovers by Bahay with 34 seconds remaining and Jaden Lazo with a little over 10 ticks left ultimately sealed the deal for the Green Archers. 

Tamaraws fall short

FEU had hoped to stay in the Final Four hunt after escaping UST, although its fate hinged on an Ateneo win over La Salle that would have arranged a triple tie for the fourth spot.

But the Tamaraws ultimately fell short of their first semifinal appearance since 2021, with the Archers ending the eliminations at solo fourth.

Luke Felipe, Jorick Bautista, and Mo Konateh scored 15 points each to lead the Tamaraws, while Janrey Pasaol and Kirby Mongcopa added 13 points apiece.

FEU spoiled the career outing of Gelo Crisostomo, who erupted for 28 points on an efficient 10-of-16 field goal clip for UST. 

Despite the loss, the Tigers are still assured of the No. 3 spot with an 8-6 record and will go up against the second-ranked UP Fighting Maroons, who will enjoy a win-once bonus in the Final Four. 

UST and La Salle finished with the same record, but the Tigers secured the third seed by owning the tiebreaker. 

The Scores

First game

FEU 81– Bautista 15, Konateh 15, Felipe 15, Pasaol 13, Mongcopa 13, Owens 4, Montemayor 3, Daa 3, Nakai 0, Ona 0, Jones 0, Macapagal 0.

UST 79 – Crisostomo 28, Cabañero 17, Akowe 9, Acido 5, Danting 4, Bucsit 4, Padrigao 2, Llemit 2, Buenaflor 2, Laure 2, Calum 2, Paranada 2, Estacio 0, Manding 0, Bangco 0.

Quarters: 14-8, 46-25, 63-48, 81-79.

Second game

La Salle 78 – Cortez 20, Phillips 13, Marasigan 12, Pablo 9, Macalalag 8, Abadam 7, Melencio 5, Dungo 4, Quines 0, Amos 0.
     
Ateneo 72 – Escobar 18, Ladi 13, Adili 11, Bahay 11, Espina 10, Espinosa 4, Lazaro 3, Tuano 2, Lazo 0, Fjellvang 0, Bongo 0.
     
Quarters: 20-18, 37-38, 56-60, 78-72.

– Rappler.com