The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers are once again the kings of UAAP men's basketball. They clinched the Season 88 championship with a hard-fought 80-72 victory over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in Game 2 of the finals on Wednesday evening, December 17, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A Championship Trilogy Concludes
This finals matchup marked the third consecutive season these two powerhouse schools battled for the crown. The Green Archers took the title in Season 86, only for UP to answer back and win Season 87. The Season 88 finale was the decider in this epic trilogy, with La Salle emerging victorious to claim its 11th overall UAAP men's basketball championship.
Head coach Topex Robinson reflected on the challenging journey. "Our adversities really strengthened our faith. This series is a journey worth remembering," Robinson stated. He also paid tribute to their rivals, saying, "We also have to honor and acknowledge UP for bringing out the best in us, but again, grateful and blessed to win another championship."
Finals MVP Mike Phillips Leads the Charge
The story of the game was written by graduating star Mike Phillips, who delivered a monstrous performance to earn Finals Most Valuable Player honors. Phillips dominated the court with 25 points and 18 rebounds, setting the tone for La Salle's relentless effort.
"Jesus brought us to rock bottom so he could show us that He is the rock. Jesus Christ is the one who saved us. I just wanted to give my heart out for La Salle," an emotional Phillips said after the game.
He received crucial support from his teammates. Mason Amos contributed 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, and three blocks, while Vhoris Marasigan added 10 points and two steals. Jacob Cortez chipped in nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the winning effort.
Fighting Maroons' Valiant Effort Falls Short
The UP Fighting Maroons, defending their Season 87 title, fought valiantly until the final minute. Rey Remogat led UP with 21 points, including a crucial three-pointer that gave his team a 67-64 lead with 4:09 left in the fourth quarter.
Remogat's two free throws later put UP ahead 73-72 with just 1:05 remaining, marking the last time the Fighting Maroons held the lead. Francis Nnoruka posted a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds, and Reyland Torres scored 11 points.
The championship series was a tight affair from start to finish. La Salle took Game 1 by a score of 74-70, UP bounced back to win Game 2, 66-63, forcing the decisive Game 3 where the Green Archers ultimately prevailed.
Presidential Praise for the Finals
The thrilling competition even drew recognition from the highest office in the land. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took to social media to laud the great display of sportsmanship and skill.
In a Facebook post, he congratulated the DLSU Green Archers, describing their championship as "well-deserved" for the team's strong performance. "A great UAAP basketball finals series between UP and La Salle. Well played to all," the President wrote.
The victory at the Araneta Coliseum not only returns the trophy to Taft Avenue but also cements another classic chapter in the storied rivalry between these two premier universities.
