It was a classic university rivalry renewed in the Finals of the Asiabasket College Campus Tour 2025 as the De La Salle Green Archers fought the Ateneo Blue Eagles last May 12 2025.
Unstoppable Aim by the Archers
The Green Archers were the most dominant team in the entire competition as they finished 8 wins and 0 losses.
They finished the elimination games 6-0 which granted them an automatic semifinals berth. The National University gave them a run for their money as the Bulldogs only lost by 2 points in the 102 – 100 semis match.
While on the other hand, the Blue Eagles had to face the San Beda Red Lions in their semis. How did that game end? Overtime.
Shawn Tuano and Kymani Ladi showed that the last few years of Ateneo tanking in the UAAP season has come to an end with a 86 – 85 win against the Red Lions.
Ateneo only lost 1 game in the elimination round and that was in the hands of DLSU. And after surviving nail biting semis matchups, it’s time for these two colleges to meet again in the Finals stage.
Historical Rivals
ADMU and DLSU have the record of facing each other the most in both Final Four matches and Finals of the UAAP season. But it’ll be their first time to face each other in the Asiabasket Finals.
The last time these two rivals faced off against one another was in the UAAP Season 80 Finals way back December 2017 where the Blue Eagles ultimately won the winner take all Game 3.
Both colleges have produced top tier quality players which have given them championships throughout the years. This time, the battle of Blue versus Green will once again be seen.
Finalists Pedigree
The Green Archers showed their arch nemesis what the back to back Finals appearance in the UAAP seasons can do to their squad.
They took control of the ball game from start to finish. DLSU, who have previously won the Season 87 title and were the 1st runner up in the Season 88, displayed brilliant team basketball as they cruised their way to the championship.
Final score: 89-77
Mason Amos, the most controversial player of La Salle as he started his high school basketball years wearing the blue and white of Ateneo before transferring to DLSU, struggled shooting the ball and was only 1-of-9 from the field, scoring 3 points.
Luckily, the MVP of the tournament, Mike Philips showed his athletic abilities and 3 level scoring. The 6-foot-9 big recorded 12 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.
In the entire tournament, the Archer’s Team Captain averaged 19.7 points, 15.3 rebounds (7.0 offensive, 8.3 defensive), and shot 62.2% from the field.
His teammates also helped him in completing the dream run for the Archers. Jacob Cortez scored 21 points with a hot 7-of-11 shooting, along with 6 assists. Kean Baclaan had 11 points, 4 assists, and 3 boards while EJ Gollena added 11 points.
The Blue Eagles on the other hand were great offensively but were horrible defensively. Even though their semis heroes Ladi and Tuano scored double digits, it wasn’t enough.
Kymani led the way with 22 points while Shawn added 17 points and Divine Adili contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Preview of the Season 89 Basketball Finals?
Whether or not we have seen a glimpse of the upcoming Season 89 Basketball Finals in Asiabasket, one thing is certain, both these teams have shifted to another gear.
La Salle also have won the recent UAAP Season 87 3×3 Basketball where they faced against the UST Growling Tigers. That win also sealed their dynasty in 3×3 as they successfully won 3 straight titles.
ADMU on the other hand have always been in the early exit of the previous 2 seasons of the UAAP basketball. Can this finals appearance reignite something special for the team of Head Coach Tab Baldwin?
