ANALYSIS: How UP Brought the UAAP Title Back to Diliman
Photo: UAAP Media Team
The UP Fighting Maroons have once again proven their mettle on the biggest stage, claiming the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball championship after a thrilling Game 3 victory over the De La Salle Green Archers in front of more than 25,000 people at Araneta Coliseum. This 66-62 triumph not only avenged last year’s Finals defeat to the same opponents but also underscored the Fighting Maroons’ resilience, precision, and championship DNA.
Key Stats That Defined the Game
A look at the numbers tells the story of UP’s victory. In a tightly-contested match, UP’s discipline in critical areas gave them the edge:
Shooting Efficiency: UP converted 24 of their 66 attempts, compared to La Salle’s 22-of-56 clip. Their ability to manufacture quality shots and convert them, especially in crunch time, was crucial. Creating multiple scoring opportunities is key to winning pressure-packed games. UP thrived in this regard.
Free Throw Shooting: In a game decided by mere possessions, UP’s composure at the line proved decisive. The Maroons shot 14-of-17 (82%) from the stripe, while the Archers struggled mightily, going just 12-of-28 (43%).
Rebounding Battle: UP out-rebounded La Salle 43-36, with Francis Lopez and Quentin Millora-Brown’s combined 21-rebound effort leading the charge. UP’s timely offensive boards – none bigger than Gerry Abadiano’s clutch rebound in the closing moments – proved essential.
Ball Security: Turnovers plagued both squads, but UP maintained slightly better control with 19 turnovers compared to La Salle’s 23. These extra possessions allowed UP to stay ahead during critical stretches.
Big-Time Performers for UP
Championships are won on the backs of players who rise to the occasion, and UP’s stars delivered.
Francis Lopez: In a story of redemption, Lopez atoned for his struggles in Game 2 by recording a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite committing 9 turnovers, his clutch three-pointer with 1:13 left – the dagger that extended UP’s lead to 64-60 – was the defining moment of the season.
Quentin Millora-Brown: The man known as QMB proved true to his reputation as “the missing piece” with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5-of-10 shooting from the field, and 4-of-4 from the foul stripe. His final two charities at the line were clutch and provided the Fighting Maroons with the cushion they needed to secure the chip.
JD Cagulangan: The steady floor general finished with 12 points and 4 assists, making timely plays and showing the poise of a seasoned champion. His big 3-pointer in the final period broke a 58-58 tie and gave UP the lead for good.
The Turning Point: La Salle’s Critical Substitution
Coach Topex Robinson’s decision to sub out Kevin Quiambao with 5:13 left in the game proved pivotal. Quiambao, who struggled to find his rhythm (13 points on 4-of-11 shooting), was replaced by Henry Agunanne. Unfortunately for the Archers, a lack of stoppages prevented Quiambao from returning until the 1:48 mark. During that span, La Salle failed to erase UP’s three-point lead, and Agunanne’s missed free throws compounded their woes. Robinson could have inserted the league MVP earlier by having his team take a foul (they weren’t in penalty yet.)
Free Throw Woes Doom La Salle
In a game decided by four points, La Salle’s free-throw struggles were glaring. The Archers’ 12-of-28 performance at the line left 16 crucial points on the table. For a team fighting for a championship, such inefficiency proved fatal.
A Championship Defined by Resilience
UP’s largest lead came midway through the third period, stretching to 14 points. La Salle attempted a furious comeback, fueled by EJ Gollena’s lay-up off a steal, which cut the deficit to 64-62 with 44 seconds remaining. Yet, JD Cagulangan’s missed triple led to the game’s most unlikely hero moment: Gerry Abadiano grabbing the offensive rebound over taller defenders.
That play, emblematic of UP’s hustle and determination, sealed the win and the championship.
Redemption and Glory for the Fighting Maroons
For the Fighting Maroons, this championship was about more than just basketball. It was about payback, redemption, and proving that their program belongs among the league’s elite. Coach Goldwin Monteverde’s squad showed the heart of a champion, and with this victory, UP reaffirms that they are a force to be reckoned with in the UAAP.
Diliman can celebrate once more: the crown is back where they feel it belongs.
