De La Salle University clinched a 68-56 victory over the University of the Philippines on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, finishing the first round of UAAP Season 87 as the top team.
The Green Archers handed the Fighting Maroons their first loss of the season, creating a tie at 6-1. La Salle secured the No. 1 spot due to the "win over the other" rule.
UP rallied from a 20-point deficit to tie the game at 42 in the third quarter, led by Harold Alarcon's 14 points.
However, De La Salle responded, with Kevin Quiambao scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to secure the win.
An altercation nearly erupted between assistant coaches Gian Nazario (La Salle) and Tom Chua (UP) but was quickly defused.
Alarcon led UP with 19 points, while lead guard JD Cagulangan missed his second straight game but is expected to return for the second round.
