How Game 3 Between UPSE and DLSU Unfolded – Highlights

The showdown between the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE) and De La Salle University (DLSU) in Game 3 was more than a simple tally of points. Fans packed the arena, the pressure was palpable, and every possession seemed to carry the weight of a season-long rivalry. Below, we break down the final scoreboard, spotlight the moments that turned the tide, and give you a feel for why this matchup will be talked about for weeks.

Final Scoreboard at a Glance

• UPSE: 78
• DLSU: 71
• Quarter Breakdown
  • Q1 – UPSE 20, DLSU 18
  • Q2 – UPSE 15, DLSU 22
  • Q3 – UPSE 22, DLSU 15
  • Q4 – UPSE 21, DLSU 16

Key Turning Points

First Quarter: A Tight Opening

Both squads started cautiously, trading early buckets. UPSE’s point guard, Marco “Mako” Santos, slipped a neat alley‑oop to forward Luis Ramirez, giving the home crowd a brief surge. DLSU answered with a three‑point barrage from veteran shooter Jenna Cruz, keeping the game within a whisker.

Second Quarter: DLSU’s Surge

Momentum shifted when DLSU’s center, Victor “The Wall” Alvarez, grabbed two back‑to‑back offensive rebounds and slammed them home. The 7‑point swing swung the halftime lead to DLSU, leaving UPSE scrambling to adjust their defense.

Third Quarter: UPSE’s Counter‑Attack

After the break, Coach Reyes drew up a high‑press scheme that forced DLSU into a series of turnovers. The most memorable was a fast‑break dunk by rookie forward Ethan Lim, which ignited the crowd and sparked a 10‑point run. By the end of Q3, UPSE had reclaimed a comfortable lead.

Fourth Quarter: The Nail‑Biting Finish

Even with a lead, UPSE never relaxed. DLSU’s comeback attempt boiled down to two clutch three‑pointers from Cruz, cutting the deficit to three with just under two minutes left. A final possession saw UPSE’s Santos drive, draw the foul, and sink both free throws—sealing the win.

Standout Performances

• Marco “Mako” Santos (UPSE) – 22 points, 7 assists, and a game‑tying three‑pointer in the final minute.
• Jenna Cruz (DLSU) – 18 points, shooting 6‑of‑10 from beyond the arc; her hot hand kept DLSU in contention.
• Ethan Lim (UPSE) – 14 points, 5 rebounds, and that electrifying dunk that shifted the third‑quarter momentum.
• Victor Alvarez (DLSU) – Dominant inside presence with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

How the Stats Reflect the Flow

UPSE’s shooting percentage (48%) edged out DLSU’s 44%, but the story lies in the rebounding battle. The home side grabbed 38 boards versus DLSU’s 31, giving them extra chances on the offensive end—especially in the second half when every second count.

Turnovers also tell a tale: DLSU committed 14, many forced by UPSE’s aggressive press. Those miscues translated directly into UPSE’s fast‑break points, a factor that kept the lead safe even when DLSU hit a spate of threes.

What This Means for the Series

With a 2‑1 series lead, UPSE now holds the psychological edge. DLSU will have to iron out their ball‑handling woes and maybe dial back the high‑press to avoid giving away cheap points. On the other hand, UPSE’s depth proved valuable; the bench contributed 23 points, a cushion that could be decisive if the series stretches to a final game.

Fan Reactions and Atmosphere

The arena buzzed with chants of “Go UPSE!” from start to finish. Social media lit up with short clips of Lim’s dunk and Santos’ final free throws, each gaining thousands of views within hours. DLSU fans, though disappointed, praised their team’s resilience and vowed to bounce back in Game 4.

Takeaway

Game 3 was a microcosm of what makes college basketball thrilling: strategic adjustments, individual brilliance, and a crowd that never stops believing. Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter of UPSE, a loyal DLSU fan, or just a neutral observer, the match offered enough drama to keep you glued to the scoreboard until the final buzzer.