After the tense La Salle vs UP Round 1 battle, the Green Archers survived the gritty FEU Tamaraws thanks to Michael Phillips. The Fighting Maroons though are left pondering after absorbing an upset from the NU Bulldogs.
The UP Fighting Maroons and De La Salle Green Archers are set for a high-stakes clash this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, reviving a rivalry that took center stage last season.
Both teams are Final Four-bound, but the game remains crucial for momentum heading into the playoffs, especially after a tense first-round encounter marked by a flurry of words and a tough La Salle win.
DLSU, riding high with an 11-1 record, is coming off a gritty 58-53 victory over the FEU Tamaraws.
Michael Phillips powered the Green Archers with a game-saving double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds, along with five steals and two blocks. It was an especially crucial performance as reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao had an off night.
[ALSO READ: ‘One of the most fun games’: La Salle’s Mike Phillips delights in highly competitive affair vs FEU]
The Green Archers have already secured a twice-to-beat advantage, but they’ll want to keep the winning momentum.
UP, on the other hand, is eager to bounce back after a surprising 47-67 loss to NU that dropped them to 9-3.
Despite their Final Four berth, the Fighting Maroons have had issues with slow starts, a pattern they’ll need to shake if they want to avoid a season sweep by La Salle.
[ALSO READ: Goldwin Monteverde back to the drawing board as slow starts continue to plague UP Fighting Maroons]
In their first-round meeting, La Salle handed UP their first loss of the season, 68-56, in a game that saw tensions rise with verbal altercations and controversial moments.
UP player Reyland Torres and La Salle coach Topex Robinson received warnings for unsportsmanlike behavior, with Robinson later apologizing for his heated words during the game.
[ALSO READ: Topex Robinson thanks La Salle, supporters for sticking through ‘spitting incident’ against UP]
This rematch, a throwback to the Season 86 Finals, is bound to be intense. With playoff implications on the line, both teams will be eager to assert themselves, setting up what promises to be a gripping showdown.
The game will be aired Sunday on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]