UP and La Salle face off in first UAAP Finals trilogy in 30 years

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and De La Salle University Green Archers are set to compete in a historic UAAP men's basketball Finals trilogy, the first in over three decades.

UP, champions in Season 84 (2022) and Season 87 (2024), are aiming for their first-ever back-to-back UAAP title defense.

Despite an initial 0-2 record, the Fighting Maroons recovered to finish second in the eliminations and defeated University of Santo Tomas in the Final Four to reach their fifth consecutive championship round.

La Salle also faced early struggles, losing three of their first five games due to injuries and suspensions, but regrouped to win crucial do-or-die games against UP and Ateneo, and defeated top-ranked National University twice in the Final Four to make their third straight Finals appearance.

Having split their previous two championship meetings, the Fighting Maroons and Green Archers will begin Game 1 of their deciding series today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde expressed gratitude for the opportunity to secure back-to-back titles and provide a fitting send-off for graduating players like Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea.