MANILA, Philippines – Defending three-time men's champion De La Salle is through to the finals of the UAAP Season 79 table tennis tournament after powering through five do-or-die games in the Blue Eagle Gym on Wednesday.

It appeared as though La Salle's dynasty was coming to an end after ranking only sixth in the eliminations, but the Green Archers have instead gone on a winning tear.

They defeated second-seeded National University in the second step-ladder match via identical 3-2 scores to clinch the remaining Finals berth.

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La Salle had earlier toppled Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines, and University of the East in succession to set up the showdown against the Bulldogs.

They now move on to face University of Santo Tomas in the best-of-three Finals series starting on October 26, also at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Growling Tigers advanced to the Finals outright after completing a 14-0 sweep of the elimination rounds.

With the improbable run of their men's team to the finals, La Salle remains on course for a championship double.

Their women's team has looked invincible even after losing Olympian Ian Lariba to graduation. The Lady Archers, seeking a third straight title, swept the elimination round, 14-0, to secure an automatic Finals berth.

The Lady Archers will face the UST Tigresses in the championship, also on October 26.

The Tigresses defeated the second-seed Far Eastern University, 3-1 and then 3-2, to advance to the finals.

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