UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas settled for a scoreless draw with Far Eastern University to arrange a finals rematch with reigning titlist University of the Philippines at the end of the eliminations of the UAAP men’s football tournament yesterday at the Ateneo High School field.

The Growling Tigers and the Fighting Maroons collide in the championship match on Sunday, where the Diliman-based booters hold a twice-to-beat advantage.

UP forced University of the East to a 1-1 draw to finish the elims with 20 points on a 5-5-0 win-draw-loss record.

The Fighting Maroons conceded a goal for the first time in the tournament with Fitch Arboleda scoring on the 86th minute, but it was ace striker Jinggoy Valmayor who saved the day by drilling in his fourth goal of the season with three minutes remaining before full time.

UST, making its third straight finals appearance, finished with 16 points on a 4-4-2 card for second place.

Despite the Tamaraws’ having a field day attacking the net, the Tigers used their solid defense to force the much-needed draw.

“We played defensively and at the same time, nag-counter attack kami.  Good thing, hindi pumasok yung mga attacks ng FEU sa first half,” said UST coach Marjo Allado.

The Tamaraws will settle for the third place trophy after winding up the elims with 15 points on a 4-3-3 mark.

In the other men’s match, Anton Amistoso struck on the 71st minute as Ateneo ended its campaign on a bright note with a 1-0 squeaker over rival La Salle.

The Green Archers finished fourth with 13 points on a 3-4-3 mark, while the Blue Eagles have nine points (3-0-7). The Red Warriors bring up the rear with seven points (1-4-5).