Poised as one of the top contenders upon the start of UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball, La Salle Green Archers faced strings of setbacks en route to their 11th title. 

From absorbing shock losses to facing player suspensions and key players falling to injuries, the Taft-based crew simply had tough luck at the middle of the season. 

La Salle took some Ls 

With La Salle coming on the top of the masses’ minds as early favorites of the season, some upsets that they faced in this season are unexpected, to say the least. 

Among the upsets that the Green Archers faced is the one over Adamson University where they lost by 1, 60-61, and it was followed by the losses they had with National University Bulldogs and University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the first round.

But nevermind those losses as they rose to the occasion especially when they needed to– just like how the Green Archers dismantled league leader National U’s twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals to bring themselves back to the championship round. 

Injuries, injuries 

Mason Amos, one of the most awaited cagers to suit up for La Salle this season finally came through, but it was cut short due to him tearing his MCL during their match against National U. 

Controlling the game’s pace, point guard Kean Baclaan is also an important addition to the green-and-white, however, he tore his right MCL that stopped him from leading the team inside the court. 

Braving the storms, the two came just in time for their final four push and semifinals. 

Tensions leading to suspensions 

Basketball being a physical sport, tension is always present on the court that includes suspensions that were slapped to some La Salle players due to dishonorable conduct during some of their matches. 

Vhoris Marasigan and EJ Gollena were among those players who were handed one-game suspensions due to disqualifying fouls on different occasions.