Manila: University of the Philippines booked a championship berth Wednesday night following an 82-81 win over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Terrence Fortea played the hero's role, sinking a three-pointer in the final 48.5 seconds that sent the second-seeded Fighting Maroons to the finals for the fifth straight season.

According to Philippines News Agency, UP will face the winner between National University and De La Salle University, who are set to meet in a rubber match on Saturday. Fourth-seeded La Salle pulled off an 87-77 victory over top-seeded and twice-to-beat NU in the semifinals last Wednesday.

"I'm very proud of the team. A team like UST, we really respect their program. We know going to this game that it will not be easy for us, but then seeing Terrence, Harold (Alarcon), the whole team responding sa situation makes me proud as a coach," said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

The Growling Tigers were up, 81-79, following Forthsky Padrigao's basket before Fortea delivered the game-winning shot. Nic Caba±ero tried to score with a layup but was blocked by Francis Nnoruka, 46 seconds remaining. His next basket missed its mark again, 13 seconds to go.

"Trust in the whole team, that's what made us win. Each one of us really worked to get the win," commented Fortea, who had eight points, six assists, and five rebounds in 13 minutes of action. Alarcon paced UP with 22 points followed by Nnoruka with 19 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.

Rey Remogat chipped in nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Gerry Abadiano added eight points and five assists. Caba±ero led UST with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Gelo Crisostomo had 15 points and seven rebounds; Collins Akowe contributed 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks; and Kyle Paranada made 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.