The NU Bulldogs lost their chance of a Final Four ticket after they dropped to 6-8 and tied with Adamson University (ADU) for fifth place.

The La Salle win will automatically grant the Final Four berth to Far Eastern University (FEU) with a 7-7 slate.

Joaqui Manuel led the Green Archers delivering his career-high 20 points, along with five rebounds.

Michael Phillips finished with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Kurt Lojera added 11 markers.

Rookie Jake Figueroa top-scored the Bulldogs with 20 points along with 14 rebounds and six steals, while Michael Malonzo had 13 points and seven boards as NU fell out of contention.

The scores:

DLSU 76 – Manuel 20, M. Philips 15, Lojera 11, Nelle 7, B. Philips 7, Nonoy 5, Cu 3, Nwankwo 3, Cuajao 3, Austria 2.

NU 65 – Figueroa 20, Malonzo 13, Enriquez 6, Mahinay 6, Torres 5, Tibayan 4, Yu 3, Felicilda 2, Joson 2, Manansala 2, Gaye 2, Minerva 0, Galinato 0, Clemente 0, Ildefonso 0.