DLSU manhandles UE, snaps two-game UAAP skid

The De La Salle University Green Archers finally ended two weeks of misery, dominating the University of the East Red Warriors, 112-87, to re-enter the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament win column on Oct. 4, 2026, at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

After back-to-back losses against UST and FEU, the Green Archers wouldn’t let a three-game losing streak add to their woes as they recalibrated and repelled the struggling Red Warriors for four straight quarters.

Unlike their past two losses, in which their slow starts rewarded UST and FEU with the perfect recipe for disaster, DLSU this time dropped the hammer in the opening quarter and zoomed to a comfortable 31-19 lead.

Mason Amos stepped up when DLSU needed him the most, setting the tone early in the first frame with a couple of 3-pointers while anchoring their defense inside the shaded lane.

Despite struggling since their debut win over NU, Amos continued to let the rock fly with confidence and recorded his best shooting performance of the ongoing Season 89.

When Amos returned to the bench, Jacob Cortez helped DLSU maintain its high-octane attack, spearheading a red-hot 12-1 closing run for a 61-42 advantage at the half.

The Red Warriors tried to force DLSU into playing more half-court sets after opting for a 1-3-1 zone defense, but the Green Archers’ efficient offense still came out on top as they generated looks off curl screens that broke UE’s traditional defensive scheme.

Aside from their rejuvenated point of attack, DLSU also gathered a string of defensive stops, especially in the fourth quarter when they held UE scoreless for almost three minutes.

With nothing clicking for the Red Warriors, newly appointed head coach Paulo Hubalde pulled out his starters at the 4:32 mark of regulation and could only watch the DLSU bench wreck them until the final buzzer.

Amos led the DLSU assault with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting from the field, alongside five rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Meanwhile, Cortez posted his usual numbers after dropping 15 points and four assists, backstopped by the one-two punch of Doy Dungo and Joaquin Tovera, who contributed 10 points apiece.

DLSU will look to pick up another win on Oct. 7, 2026, against Ateneo de Manila University, while UE aims to end its losing streak on Oct. 11, 2026, against Adamson University.