UP Maroons edge La Salle Green Archers 67-64

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons narrowly defeated De La Salle Green Archers with a 67-64 score in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday.

Gerry Abadiano scored 13 points and made a crucial mid-range jumper to give UP a 65-63 lead with less than a minute left, securing their victory after overcoming an early 12-point deficit.

UP rallied from trailing by 11 points in the fourth quarter with a strong third-quarter surge that saw them outscore La Salle 21-0, limiting the latter to just three points in that period.

Coach Goldwin Monteverde praised Abadiano's pivotal role and emphasized the team's defensive effort for their comeback victory, while DLSU coach Topex Robinson highlighted mental toughness as a key learning point despite missing key player Evan Nelle due to injury.