MANILA — The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers and University of the East (UE) Red Warriors split their elimination round meetings in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball, with UE handing La Salle its first loss of the season before the Green Archers responded with a decisive win in their rematch.
On September 22, 2024, UE defeated defending champion La Salle, 75-71, in what became one of the biggest upsets of UAAP Season 87. The Red Warriors took control early and built a 17-point lead behind the scoring of John Abate and Wello Lingolingo. Abate finished with 20 points, while Lingolingo added 18, including several key three-pointers that helped UE maintain its advantage throughout the game.
UE’s victory marked La Salle’s first loss of the season and immediately reshaped the early UAAP standings, signaling that the Red Warriors could compete with the league’s top teams.
La Salle mounted a late push in the fourth quarter and cut the lead to two points in the final minute. However, the turning point came when reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao missed two free throws with 15.8 seconds remaining. UE secured possession and closed out the game, completing a statement win that drew strong reactions across the league.
The rematch on October 12, 2024 saw La Salle respond with a 77-68 victory, showing clear adjustments on both offense and defense. After a close first half, the Green Archers created separation in the third quarter through consistent defensive stops and improved shot selection.
Mike Phillips led La Salle with 27 points and 17 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends. His performance set the tone physically and allowed La Salle to dictate the pace, limiting UE’s ability to generate scoring runs in the second half.
La Salle’s response highlighted its ability to adjust after a loss—one of the key traits that carried the team to the UAAP Season 87 Finals.
By the end of the elimination round, the two teams had taken different paths. La Salle remained one of the most consistent teams in the tournament and advanced to the Finals, finishing as runner-up to the University of the Philippines. UE, despite its breakthrough win, narrowly missed the Final Four after losing a playoff game to Adamson.
For UAAP followers, these two games reflected both the unpredictability of the league and the small margins that separate contenders from the rest. UE proved it could challenge elite programs, while La Salle showed why it remained a championship-level team throughout the season.
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