De La Salle University stormed back from nine points down in the final quarter to edge University of the Philippines, 76-75, in Game 2 of Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament finals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The victory forged a winner-take-all match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Kevin Quiambao led the Green Archers’ fiery comeback with three three-point shots, the last giving his team a 74-73 lead with two minutes remaining.
Mike Philips then capped a 13-4 run that gave La Salle a 76-75 lead.
The match was marred by sloppy foul shooting from both teams which failed to score in the last two minutes.
Francis Lopez had four missed shots and one turnover.
Quiambao also muffed two foul shots toward the end, giving the Fighting Maroons a last-ditch attempt to steal the victory.
But Gerry Abadiano missed an open shot from the right wing as time expired, sending the dramatic series to a winner-take-all battle.