It may have taken the depths of extra time, but Ramil Bation III struck at the perfect moment to send the University of the Philippines (UP) back to the championship stage.

Facing a resilient De La Salle University, Bation’s clutch goal secured a dramatic 1-0 win for the Fighting Maroons in the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 men’s football tournament late Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The third-year midfielder seized the moment in the 120+7th minute, unleashing a thunderous free kick past John Salavante. The set-piece opportunity came after a high-stakes foul by Green Booters captain Frank Labayen, setting the stage for a last-gasp winner.

“We mentioned earlier that we trust each and every one’s ability,” said coach Popoy Clarino after leading the Fighting Maroons to their second final in three seasons.

“We put our trust in Ramil, and he delivered for the team. He did his job, and we are grateful that he is part of our team.”

Before Bation’s late strike, the Fighting Maroons had several chances to score in the final minutes of regulation and the additional period.

Liam Lampayan and Adri Caraig tested the La Salle defense in the final 10 minutes of regulation, but neither could find the back of the net. Florenz Tacardon thought he had broken the deadlock for UP in the 105+1st minute, but his header was ruled out for offside.

As La Salle players began cramping, the UP attackers kept pressing. Shan Lorque’s header went over the bar, and Lampayan had another attempt that sailed wide.

Gunning for its 20th crown, UP now awaits the winner of the matchup between defending champion Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST), with the final set for 23 February.

The FEU-UST do-or-die game will be played on Friday at 5 p.m., also at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.