Mike Phillips, Mark Nonoy, Earl Abadam, and Kevin Quiambao converted 10 unanswered points to give La Salle their biggest advantage at 10 with 1:13 left, 79-69.
UP’s JD Cagulangan made an and-one to kickstart their last-ditch rally. Zavier Lucero took advantage of DLSU’s turnovers as he shot a three-pointer with 23.7 seconds remaining, 75-79.
Quiambao he split his free throws as Cagulangan shot a long three from the logo at the other end of the court with 12.5 ticks to go, 78-80.
Quiambao was sent to the line once more and made both freebies as Cagulangan missed his attempt behind the three-point line and Malick Diouf had time to put in a last-second lay-up.
Quiambao scored 13 of his 18 points in the final frame and had nine rebounds, while Nonoy made 13 of his 15 points in the third quarter to complete the Archers’ comeback.
Evan Nelle had nine points and seven assists. Mike Phillips followed with eight points and 14 rebounds.
In the loss, Lucero finished with 15 points and six rebounds, while Carl Tamayo had 14 points and seven rebounds. Spencer contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Diouf had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
La Salle 82 — Quiambao 18, Nonoy 15, Austria 10, Nelle 9, M. Phillips 8, Abadam 8, B. Phillips 5, Nwankwo 5, Macalalag 4, Estacio 0, Cortez 0.
UP 80 — Lucero 15, Tamayo 14, Spencer 12, Diouf 11, Cagulangan 8, Alarcon 8, Gonzales 4, Galinato 4, Calimag 4, Abadiano 0, Ramos 0.
Quarter Scores: 14-18, 35-41, 59-63, 82-80.