UP Community Fuels Harold Alarcon’s Excitement for Finals

Photo source: UAAP Media Team

The DLSU Green Archers and the UP Fighting Maroons are set to rekindle their growing rivalry in the UAAP Finals, with the Season 87 crown on the line.

Throughout the season, DLSU vs. UP matchups have been among the most highly anticipated, drawing larger crowds, louder cheers, and an electrifying atmosphere that fuels both players and fans alike.

In an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR, Harold Alarcon, one of UP’s standout guards, shared his thoughts on returning to the Finals stage.

“Excited, at the same time leveled, kasi kapag masyado kang gigil ‘di ka nakakapag-isip. Kapag masyado kang gigil, ‘di ka nakakapaglaro,” he said.

“Kailangan ko lang talaga i-level ‘yung sarili ko para sa paparating na Finals. Pero happy ako para sa team ko kasi nakuha namin agad ‘yung panalo sa UST kahit twice-to-beat kami.”

This season, Alarcon has been a driving force for UP, highlighted by his career-high 33-point performance and his pivotal contributions to the team’s Finals push. However, he shared that his feelings about competing in the Finals remain the same as last year, with the electric atmosphere serving as an added boost.

“Siguro ano lang, nandoon pa rin ‘yung excitement namin na sinasabi ko kasi nga Finals ‘yan eh. Iba ‘yung crowd, iba ‘yung atmosphere sa Finals,” he said.

Alarcon also emphasized the critical role the UP community plays in their journey, noting how the support energizes and motivates the team.

“Siguro andiyan din kasi ‘yung UP community, doon ako naeexcite. [Motivating] na andiyan sa likod namin ‘yung UP community.”

The Finals kicks off on Sunday, December 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, promising another thrilling chapter in the growing battles between these two powerhouse teams.