Joseph Yeo and Jun Jun Cabatu scored 20 and 16 points, respectively, to lead the Archers to the crucial win that forced a three-way tie among La Salle, UE and Ateneo with identical 10-4 win-loss cards.
The Archers went on to take the second spot behind topnotcher Far Eastern U (12-2) on a superior quotient.
The Warriors and the Eagles figure in a one-game playoff at 4 p.m. Thursday for third spot. Winner in that game plays La Salle and the loser takes on FEU in the Final Four with the Archers and the Tams enjoying twice-to-beat advantage.
La Salle coach Franz Pumaren felt vindicated.
"Just like in my previous statements, the boys really wanted to drive in a point that games are decided on the court, not in the boardroom," said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
UE played with a big handicap minus key player Marcy Arellano who was hit by a dengue.
Worse, Bon Bon Custodio waxed hot with 14 points in the first half but was held to just five the rest of the way.
With Yeo at the forefront of their attack, the Archers took command early at 23-14.
But Custodio had his shining moments in the second quarter and the Warriors closed in at 23-25.
The two teams battled neck-and-neck until the Archers came through with a big run in the fourth quarter to win the game convincingly.