Published by: Haniyah Macadaag
Date published: December 29, 2024
Time published: 2:06 PM
University of the Philippines (UP) prevailed against De La Salle University (DLSU) in a do-or-die series to complete their redemption, 2-1, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 87 Men's Basketball championship match at Smart Araneta Coliseum, on December 15.
UP celebrated in euphoria after they ended their back-to-back runner-up finishes since UP's triumph in UAAP season 84 as they won the nerve-frazzling Game 3 match, 66-62.
Francis Lopez proved himself to the UP crowd after he drained a dagger three-pointer that led UP to a substantial lead, 64-60 at the 1:12 minute mark in the last quarter, after his crucial mistake in Game 2.
UP powerhouse center, Quentin Millora-Brown set his new career-high 17 points and trounced the defending champions, keeping UP's championship series Game 1 winning streak since UAAP season 84 at Smart Araneta Coliseum, on December 8.
It was the UP's first win versus DLSU since Game 1 of last year's UAAP finals, breaking a 4-game losing streak.
UP was down by 4 at the half time break, 37-41, but UP hustled up at the 3rd quarter and executed 17-9 run, outscoring DLSU.
Gerry Abadiano put down a three that pushed the UP's lead to 7 points, 70-63, with 40 seconds remaining in the clock.
Mr. MVP, Kevin Quiambao, drained back-to-back clutch triples and kept the La Sallians hope as they trampled UP, 76-75, in a heart-rending Game 2 match at Mall of Asia Arena, on December 11.
The Game 2 win by DLSU regained the hope of the La Sallians to have it's 11th Men's Basketball title and continued the game 2 finals losing streak of UP against DLSU way back season 81.
Despite being down by 7 after the third quarter, Quiambao took down a three, reducing the gap by 4, 67-63 with 6:24 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter.
Mr.MVP kept his determination to defend DLSU's title and converted another big three to take the lead, 74-73 with 1:13 left, before Millora-Brown and Phillips traded lay-ups for a 76-75 DLSU lead, coming from a 7 point deficit, 73-66, at the 4-minute mark in the 4th quarter.
Season 84 UP Hero Jd Cagulangan pulled up 12 points and clinched Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) in his last dance in the UAAP.
“I can’t say anything but thank you. I’m so happy to have been part of this program. They welcomed me so well, and UP truly deserved to win this season. I want to thank Coach Gold for trusting me,” Cagulangan stated.
“Of course, my family has been my source of strength. I’m also happy for Francis—so proud of how he overcame everything he’s been through. To Q and the entire UP community, thank you so much. I’m overwhelmed by all the support we’ve received wherever we go,” he added.
Millora-Brown executed an amazing performance, gaining 14 points and 10 rebounds, while UP's solid role player, Lopez, contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds.
“I’m very thankful, especially to the players. From the start of the season, after our loss last year, they worked hard every single day,” said UP Coach Goldwin Monteverde.
“I’m very proud of how they handled our ups and downs throughout the season. I’m also grateful to the coaching staff for their tireless efforts. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do my part,” he added.
UP accumulated a 14-point lead in the third quarter, but Quiambao showed his MVP prowess and converted a three-pointer that narrowed down the gap with DLSU's 13-0 run.
Quiambao failed to repeat his heroic acts in Game 2, but still took down 13 points despite an unbreakable defense from UP.
Mike Phillips showed DLSU the way with his 18 points and 12 rebounds before he got fouled out at 11 seconds remaining.
UP superstars Cagulangan and Millora-Brown are the only ones leaving the UAAP scene; despite their absence, UP would still be a force to be reckoned with and would definitely try their absolute best to defend the title.
REFERENCES:
Carandang, J. K. (2024, December 15). UP survives La Salle to reclaim UAAP men's basketball crown. GMA network. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/930046/uaap-finals-game-3-up-la-salle-mens-basketball-season-87/story/
Isaga, Jr. (2024, December 11). Quiambao rises, Lopez falters as La Salle hits UP with finals Game 2 curse for do-or-die clash. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/sports/uaap/men-basketball-finals-game-results-la-salle-green-archers-up-fighting-maroons-december-11-2024/
Dukha III, A. (2024, December 15). UP outlasts La Salle in Game 3 to reclaim UAAP men’s basketball title. Inquirer.net. https://www.google.com/amp/s/sports.inquirer.net/599223/up-outlasts-la-salle-to-reclaim-uaap-mens-basketball-title/amp
Morales, L. (2024, December 08). Up Fighting Maroons repulse La salle to take game 1 of uaap season 87 finals. OneSports.
https://www.onesports.ph/uaap/article/27085/up-fighting-maroons-repulse-la-salle-to-take-game-1-of-uaap-season-87-finals
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