[2] UE stormed back from 81-75 with three minutes left to play at the half to complete an upset, 87-86 taking the El Oro trophy home in front of a crowded Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
A run started with Norman de Vera's two free throws after being fouled by Rohimust Santos to cut the lead, while sophomore Rizaldo Pabillore came up with two interceptions all within the last three minutes of the second half to earn their third title.
With the game on the line, University of the East rookie Allan Caidic, with the chance of beating the rival FEU to win the championship, missed both free throws and let the Tamaraws led by Glenn Capacio steal the 1981 title.
Holding a twice to beat advantage, the second-seeded Tamaraws fell short during the Game 1 of the series, 74-84, without their sophomore guard Mark Barroca, who was accused of game-fixing prior to his performance on the team's last stretch of the elimination.
Going on to the second game of the series, a much favored FEU, despite a 49-39 lead at the half, once again took the beating as Paul Lee and the Warriors pulled an upset and entered the finals with the score of 72-78 to face Ateneo.