The stage is set for a monumental clash in Philippine collegiate basketball. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men's basketball championship will be a best-of-three series between the defending champions, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, and the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.
Green Archers' Gritty Road to the Finals
La Salle secured their finals berth after a hard-fought victory over the National University Bulldogs on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Green Archers displayed tremendous resilience, overcoming a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the Final Four to win the game 78-73.
The standout performer was guard Jacob Cortez, who delivered a career-defining performance. Cortez erupted for a personal-best 29 points, while also contributing four assists and four rebounds. His explosive scoring was crucial in dismantling NU's defense and propelling his team back to the championship round.
A Blockbuster Finals Matchup Awaits
This victory sets up a highly anticipated finals duel against the top-seeded and defending champion UP Fighting Maroons. The Maroons, who enjoyed an automatic finals entry, have been waiting to see who their opponent would be. Now, the classic rivalry is renewed on the biggest stage.
The championship series will commence on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The battleground for Game 1 will shift to the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City, promising a electric atmosphere from the tip-off.
What's at Stake in the Championship Series
For the UP Fighting Maroons, the mission is clear: defend their title and cement their status as a modern dynasty in UAAP basketball. The team, under immense pressure, aims to repeat as champions and continue their era of success.
For the DLSU Green Archers, the challenge is to dethrone the kings. Riding the momentum of their dramatic Final Four win, La Salle seeks to capture the crown and complete a remarkable underdog story after entering the finals as the lower seed. The series promises high-level basketball, intense rivalry, and a dramatic conclusion to UAAP Season 88.
