The De La Salle University Green Archers successfully reclaimed the championship from defending champions, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 80-72, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball finals.

With 4:09 remaining in the match, Rey Remogat drained a three-point shot and drew a foul to cut the lead to 67-64. Green Archer Vhoris Marasigan then sparked a 7-0 run to regain the lead at 71-67 with 2:15 left.

From that point on, the Fighting Maroons played catch-up as La Salle’s core held strong to secure another championship.

“Our adversities really strengthened our faith. This series is a journey worth remembering. We also have to honor and acknowledge UP for bringing out the best in us, but again, grateful and blessed to win another championship,” said Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.

Throughout the season, La Salle faced multiple challenges from suspensions and injuries. Finals MVP Mike Phillips gave glory to God.

He said, “Jesus brought us to rock bottom so he could show us that He is the rock. Jesus Christ is the one who saved us,” he said. “I just wanted to give my heart out for La Salle.”

“I just want to say one thing: Jesus Christ is the real champion, He is the real MVP.”

Phillips led the Green Archers with a double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds. Mason Amos added 11 points, while Vhoris Marasigan finished with 10 points.

For the Fighting Maroons, Remogat scored 21 points with two assists and two steals, Francis Nnoruka recorded a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds, and graduating Reyland Torres added 11 points.

Jacob Cortez Makes History Anew

Exactly two years after leading the San Beda Red Lions to an NCAA Championship with coach Topex Robinson as the analyst, Jacob Cortez and Robinson made history again by winning the UAAP Championship.

For Cortez, seeing in his phone that he won a championship exactly two years ago was the perfect reminder.

“I went through my phone earlier this morning, and these apps showed memories. Exactly two years ago, I won with San Beda. Coincidentally, Coach Topex was the analyst. I don’t know why. Who would have known two years later on the same day, I’d win for win, with him, for my dream school La Salle? It’s amazing how God works,” he said after clinching La Salle’s 11th championship.

Even after switching schools, Cortez admitted he sought advice from a former teammate, Yukien Andrada, after losing Game 2 of the best-of-three final series.

“Shout out to San Beda man, they also won. I spoke with Yukien Andrada when we lost game two. He said, ‘You got this,’ and encouraged me. I was saying, ‘Yuks, ang dali ng buhay niyo dun’ because they had the advantage. Him and Ralph Penuela would talk to me and make me relax really,” he revealed.

In the crucial fourth quarter, Cortez and his teammates refused to give up even when the Fighting Maroons had the momentum.

“Speechless. UP put up a good fight. Remogat hit a big shot, but then again, our guys just stick together whatever he does. That was a really, really big shot in less than 3-4 minutes,” he recalled.

“They thought that when they had momentum on their side, we just gathered up, relaxed and stated composed. I didn’t have to say that. They were looking at themselves. Free throws, again, they said we were a bad free throw team. I think that’s what won us the game.”

Throughout the match, many expected the battle to be decided by the coaches – La Salle’s Topex Robinson and UP’s Goldwyn Monteverde. In the end, it was Robinson who surprised everyone by fielding three big men for most of the game.

“We kinda knew after Game 1 that they were gonna do whatever it takes,” Cortez said. “Game 3, Coach made the right adjustments. But that fuel, that competitiveness, that’s what makes it fun for me. Coach made big adjustments, and those are what made us win this game.”

As a leader, Robinson deflected credit back to his players.

He explained, “The adjustment we made in Game 3 was Jacob’s recommendation. Mike [Phillips] backed it up. I said, ‘What did I say about gambling?’ The team that will gamble will win the championship.”

“Who would have thought we were gonna go with three bigs? What’s important was the trust. Sabi ko sa kanila, di bale matalo sa sugal kaysa ‘yung nag-iingat tayo.”