The brewing rivalry between De La Salle University and University of the Philippines extends to the UCAL-PGFlex Linoleum Invitational Tournament, as both teams secured spots in a winner-take-all final on Tuesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Gilas Pilipinas pool member Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez formed a formidable duo, propelling the Green Archers to a commanding 90-63 victory over the Olivarez College Sea Lions.
This set up a highly anticipated title clash with the Fighting Maroons, who edged the Centro Escolar University Scorpions in a hard-fought 64-60 semifinal.
The championship showdown is set for Thursday at the same venue, promising another chapter in the rivalry.
The two schools are also contending for the ultimate prize in the UAAP this coming weekend.
Amos bounced back spectacularly from a subpar outing in their 88-82 elimination round win against the Sea Lions.
This time, he dazzled with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including an impressive 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-7 Fil-Australian standout shrugged off his previous struggles, where he shot just 1-of-10 from the field.
Cortez delivered yet another stellar all-around performance, tallying 23 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds.
His efforts were instrumental in breaking the game open in the third quarter after a closely contested first half.
(C) UCAL
Meanwhile, UP leaned on the trio of Miguel Yniguez, Francis Nnoruka, and Rey Remogat to overcome a slow start.
They erupted for 31 points in the second quarter, seizing momentum and holding off the Scorpions in the clutch.
Yniguez, who finished with 16 points, broke a 58-all tie with back-to-back baskets, while Seven Gagate iced the game with two crucial free throws.
All eyes now turn to Thursday’s final, where La Salle and UP will once again battle for supremacy.
