The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons are set to clash with the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP 86 men's basketball tournament finals.
In a stunning upset, top-seeded UP dethroned Ateneo de Manila University with a 57-46 triumph, securing its third consecutive Finals appearance.
Meanwhile, second-seeded La Salle dominated third-seeded National University with a decisive 97-73 victory in the other semifinal match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Mark Nonoy led the scoring for La Salle, amassing 20 points, while Kevin Quiambao contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Evan Nelle added 15 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, propelling the Green Archers to their first Finals appearance in six years.
Meanwhile, for the fourth time in five seasons, UP secured a spot in the UAAP Men's Basketball Finals.
The top-seeded UP Fighting Maroons overcame their modern-day rival, the fourth-ranked Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, with a 57-46 victory in front of 14,505 fans at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
This marks UP's third consecutive appearance in the championship series, having won Season 84 and relinquished the title to Ateneo in Season 85.
Maintaining a five-point lead entering the fourth quarter, UP Fighting Maroons extended their advantage to nine points with crucial baskets from Gerry Abadiano, Francis Lopez, and Janjan Felicilda.
The UP Fighting Maroons continued to tighten their defense, limiting Ateneo to only two points for the remainder of the game.
MVP Malick Diouf played a pivotal role with 12 points, 16 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, leading UP to a well-deserved victory.
In contrast, Ateneo failed to reach the Finals for the first time since Season 78 (2015), marking the absence of head coach Tab Baldwin in the championship battle.
The best-of-three finals series will commence on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with Game Two scheduled for December 3 at the Big Dome.
If necessary, a deciding Game Three will take place on December 6 at the historic Quezon City arena.
