UP and DLSU to clash in third straight UAAP finals series

The University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle University (DLSU) are set to face off in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball finals, marking the third consecutive championship series between the two rival teams.

Both UP, the reigning champions, and DLSU, last season's runner-up, had challenging starts to their campaigns, including winless streaks, but managed to recover and reach the finals.

This championship series is UP's fifth consecutive finals appearance as they aim for their second straight title and fifth overall, while DLSU is vying for their 11th title in their 19th finals appearance.

UP's coach Goldwin Monteverde is focusing his team on their own performance rather than the pressure of the trilogy narrative.

The Fighting Maroons' path to the finals included an 82-81 semi-final victory against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) after losing key players JD Cagulangan and Quentin Millora-Brown.