Three for Glory: Green Archers secure historic 3×3 three-peat

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers completed a historic three-peat championship for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) 3×3 Basketball Tournament earlier today at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center.

Semi-finals: De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers vs NU

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, having secured the final spot in the Final Four just a day prior, returned to the half-court for their semifinal showdown against the National University (NU) Bulldogs.

To open the game, PJ Palacielo made an early statement after going back-to-back at the rim, before Andrei Dungo quickly halted his attempt at a third to notch La Salle’s first basket. NU carried the momentum early on, with Palacielo receiving an assist from Steve Nash Enriquez to spark a 4–0 run and putting La Salle in a 1–6 hole. Refusing to be left behind, Earl Abadam responded with back-to-back plays to ignite La Salle’s comeback effort. JC Macalalag and EJ Gollena followed suit, fueling a Green Archer surge to close the gap to 7 — 8.

With momentum now on their side, the Archers began to dictate the pace. Palacielo continued to push for NU, helping force a tie at 12-all. But in the game’s final minute, it was Abadam who rose to the occasion by brushing off Enriquez with a clutch drive to the basket and sealing the win for La Salle, 17–14, to send the Green Archers back to the Finals.

Finals: De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers vs UST

Now on the final stage, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers stood just one game away from their long-awaited 3-peat. As their title awaited them, they would have to go through their challengers first, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers.

From the opening whistle, it was evident that they were locked in and ready to take it all. Abadam set the tone with the game’s first basket, and Dungo quickly followed with back-to-back two-pointers, giving La Salle a dominant 5–0 start. The defending champions imposed their will early, holding the Growling Tigers scoreless until Amiel Acido finally got his team on the board with a layup and a free throw at the 7:03 mark, 5–2.

Gollena and Macalalag then sparked another run, stretching the lead to 7–2 while their suffocating defense kept UST at bay. Abadam buried a deep two to extend the lead even further, and although Ice Danting and Acido tried to chip away at the gap, La Salle remained in firm control, 9–4. UST managed to pick up some points off La Salle’s fouls, with Angelo Crisostomo adding to their total, but the Archers responded with poise. Danting and Acido pushed hard from beyond the arc in a late rally, but with time ticking down, the Green Archers stayed composed. A final layup from Gollena eventually sealed the deal as La Salle left the half-court crowned once again — reigning supreme as three-peat champions with a 15–12 victory.

In a post-game interview with Earl Abadam, he shared how grateful he was that they were able to achieve the three-peat. Coming off a slow start in the tournament, it was a true hustle for the Green Archers. “It feels so surreal, I’m so grateful to be able to play here with my team, with the fans watching in the stands,” he shared. Abadam also emphasized their team chemistry, with Gollena and Macalalag being his teammates since their rookie year in La Salle. “Everything we’ve been through together, all led to this moment.”

Andrei Dungo received the MVP honors of the tournament, showing his skill and excellence despite being a rookie on the half-court for La Salle.

With the crowd behind them and years of brotherhood on full display, the DLSU Green Archers’ journey to the three-peat was more than just about reclaiming a title — it was about proving their resilience, growth, and championship mindset. From early struggles to championship glory, the team’s grit and chemistry carried them through. As the dust settles on another golden run, La Salle’s legacy in UAAP 3×3 continues to stand tall.