By ADRIAN STEWART CO

De La Salle University (DLSU) moved a win away from reclaiming the UAAP men’s basketball crown after defeating defending champion University of the Philippines (UP), 74-70, in Game 1 of the Season 88 finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday night, December 10.

Bacolodnon Manuel Luis Pablo delivered in the fourth quarter, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals as the Green Archers seized a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

After trailing for most of the first three quarters, La Salle steadily cut into UP’s lead and surged ahead, 70-68, on three straight baskets by Pablo.

A split from the line by Michael Phillips pushed the Archers’ advantage to 71-68.

Harold Alarcon answered with a jumper to bring the Fighting Maroons within one, 71-70.

Jacob Cortez then buried a clutch three-pointer with 30 seconds left to give La Salle a 74-70 cushion that held until the final buzzer.

Cortez led the Archers with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Andrei Dungo added 15 markers.

Alarcon fired a career-high 34 points for UP.

Francis Nnoruka chipped in 13 in the loss.

La Salle can clinch the championship in Game 2 at the same venue this Sunday afternoon, December 14./ASC, WDJ

DLSU 74 — Cortez 21, Dungo 15, Baclaan 9, Phillips 7, Pablo 7, Marasigan 7, Macalalag 6, Abadam 2, Gollena 0, Amos 0, Nwankwo 0.

UP 70 — Alarcon 34, Nnoruka 13, Abadiano 8, Torres 7, Fortea 5, Remogat 3, Belmonte 0, Stevens 0, Bayla 0, Yñiguez 0, Felicilda 0, Alter 0.

Quarterscores: 25-24, 33-36, 53-58, 74-70.