Metro Manila, Philippines – Only one spot remains in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, and it could be settled on the last playdate of the elimination round on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The University of Santo Tomas avoided complications by clinching the third Final Four berth with an 80-71 triumph over National University on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, and Far Eastern University are the teams left standing vying for the last Final Four ticket.

La Salle (win-loss record: 7-6)

The Green Archers have the simplest path among the three schools. Just beat Ateneo in their second round showdown and they will catch the last bus going to the Final Four, where they will face the twice-to-beat and top seed National University.

If La Salle loses to Ateneo then there will be a third clash between the two rival teams.

Ateneo (win-loss record: 6-7)

An Ateneo victory over La Salle will not guarantee a Final Four slot just yet, but it will force a winner-take-all game against the Green Archers for the fourth seed.

If the Blue Eagles bow to La Salle again, it will be the second straight season that the Katipunan-based squad makes a disappointing exit after the elimination round.

FEU (win-loss record: 6-7)

The Final Four fate of Tamaraws involves a help that is beyond their control.

FEU must first beat an energized UST side that is no longer affected with the result of their meeting but is determined to finish the elimination round strong. The Tamaraws then hope Ateneo will defeat La Salle to create a three-way logjam for fourth place.

In case of a tie scenario, Ateneo holds the highest quotient which means FEU battles La Salle in a stepladder match with the winner facing the Blue Eagles for the last semifinals spot.