Despite injuries to key players, La Salle Green Archers defeated UE Red Warriors 84-72, tying for second place in UAAP Season 88. This marks La Salle's sixth win, while UE remains winless at 0-9. The game took place at Mall of Asia Arena on October 29.
The La Salle Green Archers returned to second place despite injuries to Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos with season-ending MCL tears. They defeated the UE Red Warriors 84-72 at Mall of Asia Arena on October 29, achieving a 6-3 record tied with UP and holding the tiebreak advantage from their first-round win.
Luis Pablo led the victory with 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting, along with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in nearly 23 minutes. MVP frontrunner Mike Phillips posted a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, plus 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in under 27 minutes. Jacob Cortez added 12 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.
For UE, Precious Momowei scored 20 points and 10 rebounds, including 4 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. John Abate also had 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. UE stands on the brink of elimination with a 0-9 record, marking their 15th straight loss from last season, missing suspended coach Chris Gavina and player Wello Lingolingo.
The game began with La Salle leading 25-19 after the first quarter, extending to 43-36 at halftime and 59-50 after the third. In the fourth, La Salle clinched with a 16-5 run for a 75-55 lead, though UE responded to 77-70 before the final 84-72 score. This was their first meeting since UE's controversial first-round overtime loss, 111-110.
Scoring: La Salle – Pablo 16, Phillips 14, Cortez 12, Dungo 9, Macalalag 8, Gollena 8, Marasigan 6, Abadam 4, Gomez 3, Daep 2, Quines 2, Nwankwo 0, Dagdag 0, Melencio 0. UE – Abate 20, Momowei 20, Cruz-Dumont 8, Robles 7, Despi 6, Caoile 4, Lagat 3, Datumalim 2, Cabero 2, Jimenez 0, Tañedo 0, Mulingtapang 0, Malaga 0. Quarters: 25-19, 43-36, 59-50, 84-72.