La Salle cautious against UP despite elims sweep — ‘UP didn’t have a complete lineup’

The DLSU Green Archers remain cautious despite defeating the UP Fighting Maroons twice in the UAAP Season 87 elimination round, as they prepare for their best-of-three Finals series starting Sunday, December 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

DLSU head coach Topex Robinson stated that the elimination round wins were not a true measure of UP's strength because the Fighting Maroons were missing key players in both games: JD Cagulangan due to illness in the first round and Quentin Millora-Brown (who was abroad mourning his grandfather) in the second round. Robinson emphasized that UP, the top-seeded team, is formidable when complete, recalling that UP beat DLSU twice in the preseason FilOil tournament.

Both teams faced challenges late in the eliminations, with DLSU losing to NU and UP suffering back-to-back losses. However, after decisive wins in the Final Four, Robinson stressed that the Finals outcome hinges on preparation. He acknowledged UP will be all-out, but DLSU's focus is on improving themselves, viewing the series as a challenge to grow.

Robinson specifically identified rebounding as a critical area needing improvement for DLSU, especially with Millora-Brown back for UP. He noted DLSU was out-rebounded in their Final Four game against Adamson despite being the top rebounding team in eliminations. Robinson also pointed out that many mistakes need correcting and highlighted that only eight players have Finals experience from last year, making this a new challenge for the seven newcomers.

Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals between La Salle and UP tips off at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.