The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers have etched their half-court excellence in the history books after overcoming tough adversaries in the National University (NU) Bulldogs and archrivals Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) Blue Eagles to secure their fourth straight 3×3 crown on the final day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) 3×3 Men’s Basketball Tournament, held earlier today at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center.

Semi-finals: DLSU Green Archers vs NU Bulldogs

The Green-and-White began the final day of 3×3 competition with a semi-finals matchup against the fourth-seeded NU Bulldogs. The Sampaloc-based squad took control in the first few possessions, using their quickness to take an early lead, but the Green Archers were just as quick to answer, as Earl Abadam displayed his shooting prowess to tie the game at 4-all. From that point on, it was a back-and-forth affair at the rim as Luis Pablo and Paul Francisco exchanged difficult shots to maintain the standstill, 7-all. After a pair of buckets from both squads, Abadam knocked down a huge deuce to put La Salle up three, 11–8.

Pablo continued to show his dominance in the shaded area, grabbing rebounds and skying high for put-backs, but the Bulldogs refused to back down as Francisco scored consecutive markers, 13–11. Both sides continued to trade tough baskets, but it was La Salle’s veteran experience in the half-court that prevailed as Abadam sliced through the lane to erect a five-point advantage, 18–13. With 2:15 remaining on the game clock, and shortly after the two squads exchanged back-to-back points that included a crucial JC Macalalag free throw, it was last season’s 3×3 MVP in Doy Dungo that knocked down a heavily contested shot from beyond the arc to send the defending champions back to the Finals, 21–14.

Finals: DLSU Green Archers vs Ateneo Blue Eagles

The premier UAAP rivalry was renewed for the final chapter of this season’s 3×3 tournament as La Salle and Ateneo went head-to-head in a much-anticipated high-stakes match that determined the best in the half-court. The game started with an intense back-and-forth showdown that had the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center roaring with every made basket. After an Abadam fadeaway and a quick Alden Cainglet deuce, the scoreboard was suddenly at 5–7.

At the 7:17 mark, an unsportsmanlike foul was called on the Blue Eagles, allowing Pablo to trim the lead and eventually tie the game at 7-all. The reliable big man continued to be relentless on the drive and in the paint, causing havoc for the Blue-and-White, scoring four consecutive baskets, including a ferocious slam dunk to put La Salle in the lead, 10–8. DLSU played tremendous defense against the strong Katipunan-based guards, notching highlight block after highlight block. However, the Blue Eagles refused to give in, keeping the game within reach, 11–9.

With less than 4:00 left remaining on the game clock, both squads continued to trade buckets, but a Romeo Ebdane deuce tied the match 12-all. On the next play, a Tuano and-one broke the deadlock, but a huge Macalalag two and crucial Abamdam free throws put the Taft-based team back up ahead by three, 16–13. However, Ateneo did not allow the game to slip away as Tuano completed yet another and-one play to cut the DLSU advantage down to one, 16–15. In the endgame, despite the Blue Eagles battling valiantly and sinking big shots, it was Luis Pablo yet again who stepped up for La Salle, scoring five straight points and powering the Green-and-White to victory, 21–18.

Despite being the lone addition to the team, Luis Pablo was recognized as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, showcasing his readiness to step up and his excellence as a pillar in the paint.

Throughout the tournament, the Green Archers displayed the unparalleled chemistry born from their tight-knit brotherhood. In the end, that unity, along with the championship experience, proved to be the edge that the team had over the competition, helping them bring the Men’s 3×3 trophy back to Taft for the fourth consecutive time, a historic feat setting an ever-higher standard of excellence in the half-court of the UAAP.