[1] Defending seniors champion De La Salle University swept the first round of eliminations with seven straight victories.

La Salle fell to four wins and three losses, the UST Glowing Goldies, who were beaten by the Green Archers, 80–90, assumed the leadership with a 7–0 win–loss card.

National University, who were routed by De La Salle, 61–91, on opening day last July 28, finally broke into a win column.

Adamson Baby Falcons outclassed Ateneo Blue Eaglets, 79–67, on the final day of the eliminations on September 29 at the Loyola Center to finish with a 13-win, 1-loss record.

The Baby Falcons advanced to the playoffs with a twice-to-beat advantage over the second-seeded Eaglets, needing to beat Ateneo only once to clinch their third straight title.