The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons reclaimed UAAP men’s basketball supremacy on December 15, 2024, defeating the De La Salle Green Archers in a thrilling 66-62 victory in Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals. Before a record-breaking crowd of 25,248 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, UP capped its redemption tour in dramatic fashion, earning its second title in four years and the program's fourth overall.
This momentous victory also avenged their heartbreaks in Seasons 85 and 86, where they finished as runners-up. Led by Finals MVP JD Cagulangan and the towering presence of Quentin Millora-Brown, the Fighting Maroons showcased resilience and poise to thwart La Salle’s late-game comeback bid.
UP’s journey to the championship was fueled by determination, hard work, and a desire to bounce back after consecutive Finals losses.
Coach Goldwin Monteverde, lauded for his tactical brilliance, credited his team for their unwavering commitment. "Even during the course of the season, yung ups and downs namin, I'm very proud of each and everyone sa team namin," Monteverde shared.
Read the UAAP 87 Finals Game 2
The championship-deciding Game 3 was an intense battle from start to finish. UP and La Salle exchanged leads in the first half, with the score tied at 21-all after the first quarter. By halftime, UP held a slim six-point lead, 42-36, thanks to the efforts of Millora-Brown and Cagulangan.
In the third quarter, UP built a 14-point cushion, 54-40, with Gerry Abadiano's stellar 7-point run. However, the Green Archers launched a furious 16-2 counterattack, tying the game at 56 early in the fourth quarter.
Playing his final UAAP game, Finals MVP JD Cagulangan provided the leadership and stability UP needed. He finished with 12 points, four assists, three steals, and two rebounds. Beyond the numbers, Cagulangan’s composure under pressure and timely three-pointer in the fourth quarter were crucial to UP’s success.
Millora-Brown was a force to be reckoned with, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds. His scoring and defensive prowess anchored the Fighting Maroons, especially during pivotal moments when La Salle threatened to regain momentum.
After a challenging Game 2, Francis Lopez made amends with a decisive performance. His dagger three-pointer with 1:12 remaining gave UP a critical 64-60 lead. Lopez's resilience symbolized the Fighting Maroons’ never-say-die attitude.
The De La Salle Green Archers showed remarkable tenacity, erasing a double-digit deficit to keep the game within reach.
Two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips were the standouts for La Salle. Phillips posted a game-high 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Quiambao added 13 points and four boards. Despite their best efforts, the duo struggled to close the game during crunch time.
La Salle’s hopes dwindled after EJ Gollena missed two crucial free throws with eight seconds left. These misses sealed their fate, allowing UP to hold on for the victory.
This championship solidifies UP’s position as a premier basketball program in the UAAP. With two titles in four seasons, the Fighting Maroons are no longer the perennial underdogs they once were.
Cagulangan’s heroics throughout his collegiate career have etched his name in UP’s history books. As he transitions to the next chapter of his basketball journey, his impact on the Fighting Maroons’ culture and success will be remembered.
UAAP & NCAA Schools and PBA Latest News
The University of the Philippines has won four UAAP men’s basketball titles, with the most recent being in Season 87.
JD Cagulangan of UP was named Finals MVP for his stellar performance in Game 3.
UP defeated La Salle with a final score of 66-62 in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals.
Francis Lopez scored 12 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the game’s final minutes.
La Salle won the Season 86 title but fell short in Season 87, finishing as 1st runners-up.
Mike Phillips led La Salle with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
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