MANILA — De La Salle University added another championship to its collection as they prepare for the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The Green Archers, who reigned supreme in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup last May, clinched the 2024 PinoyLiga Collegiate Cup after they defeated National University, 84-81, on Monday at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.

Leading the reigning UAAP titlists were prized recruit Jacob Cortez and big man Henry Agunnane who each had 22. The former also posted four steals, three assists, and two rebounds, while the latter tallied 10 boards and two rejections.

Also heading the Archers’ side were Kevin Quimbao’s 17 markers, five rebounds, and two assists, and Jonnel Poliarpio’s 10 points.

After trailing by 10, 84-74, with only three minutes remaining in the game, the Bulldogs slowly clawed their way back into the contest after Jake Figueroa and Mohamed Diassana hit one basket each to get as close as six.

Steve Nash Enriquez even got them to within three, 84-81, after he hit a triple with still 1:22 remaining, but that proved to be the last stand of National U as the Green Archers’ defense led by Agunnane was enough to force Figueroa to miss his game-tying three-point attempt.

Figueroa top scored for the Bulldogs with 17 points, four rebounds, two steals, and one assist, PJ Palacielo followed him with 13, Mun Dela Cruz scored eight while Enriquez, Jolo Manansala, and Ken Padrones each scored seven.

However, these all went for naught as the Season 86 semifinalists had to settle for the tilt’s silver medal.

La Salle will get back into Finals action yet again on Wednesday when they face the UP Fighting Maroons in the championship bout of the FilOil EcoOil 17th Preseason Cup in San Juan City.