MANILA -- For the second straight year, the University of the Philippines will take on the De La Salle Green Archers for the championship in the Filoil EcoOil ECJ Preseason Cup.

The two UAAP powerhouses overcame separate opponents on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City to advance to the winner-takes-all Finals showdown scheduled for Wednesday.UP's Francis Lopez celebrates during their semifinal game against FEU in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, June 9, 2024 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Handout/FiloilThe Fighting Maroons fended off Far Eastern University, 89-77, to remain perfect in their title defense.

UP built a 15-point lead late in the third quarter before FEU got huge contributions from seldom-used guard Jon Godinez and sharpshooter Jorick Bautista. The Tamaraws got within one possession, 69-72, with still eight minutes to go.

But the Fighting Maroons responded with a 16-3 run to regain control of the contest and stood firm defensively in the clutch to deny the Tamaraws.

Francis Lopez led UP with 22 points and seven rebounds, while veteran guard JD Cagulangan submitted an all-around effort with 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

FEU got 20 points and six rebounds from Veejay Pre, while Bautista finished with 16 points.

Meanwhile, La Salle weathered a hard-fighting Colegio de San Juan de Letran squad for a 91-87 result.

The Green Archers led by as much as 24 points, 80-56, early in the fourth period before the Knights came roaring back. Behind rookies Jonathan Manalili and Jovel Baliling, they got within three points, 90-87, with nine seconds left.La Salle's Kevin Quiambao in action against Letran in the semifinals of the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, June 9, 2024 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Handout/FiloilSent to the line, La Salle first-year guard Lian Ramiro made the first and missed the second, but Kevin Quiambao collared the offensive rebound to seal the deal.

Quiambao finished with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds to go with five assists, but also committed six turnovers. Jonnel Policarpio had 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks but also turned the ball over five times.

Manalili wound up with 13 points, eight assists, and three rebounds, as Baliling also added 13 of his own. 

La Salle will now try to repeat against UP after having broken the hearts of the Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball Finals. State U won their lone meeting in the group phase of the preseason tournament, 89-77.

Letran and FEU will contest the bronze medal, also on Wednesday. 

THE SCORES:

FIRST GAME

UP 89 — Lopez 22, Cagulangan 13, Abadiano 8, Alter 8, Bayla 8, Belmonte 6, Ududo 6, Alarcon 5, Torculas 4, Stevens 3, Torres 3, Briones 3, Rivero 0, Walker 0, Tan 0

FEU 77 — Pre 20, Bautista 16, Pasaol 11, Konateh 9, Daa 8, Godinez 7, Alforque 4, Bagunu 2, Taboctaboc 0, Ona, Gordon 0, Felipe 0, Montemayor 0, Beato 0

QUARTERS: 27-26, 43-38, 70-60, 89-77

SECOND GAME

DLSU 91 — Agunanne 19, Policarpio 19, Gollena 11, Quiambao 10, Ramiro 8, Dungo 6, Abadam 4, Macalalag 4, Austria 4, Marasigan 2, Buenaventura 2, Alian 2, Cortez 0, Gaspay 0, Rubico 0

LETRAN 87 — Manalili 13, Baliling 13, Montecillo 11, Galoy 11, Cuajao 11, Go 8, Jumao-As 6, Nunag 6, Dimaano 6, Pradela 2, Garupil 0, Tangkay 0, Alarcon 0, Brillantes 0

QUARTERS: 33-24, 56-43, 74-56, 91-87