The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons have achieved their ultimate redemption in UAAP Season 87, reclaiming the men's basketball championship title.
In front of a roaring crowd of 25,248 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, UP dethroned the defending champions, De La Salle University (DLSU), with a nail-biting 66-62 victory in Game 3 of the best-of-three finals series.
Just like in Game 2, the third and decisive game was a heart-stopper, with both teams battling fiercely until the final buzzer.
UP's Finals MVP JD Cagulangan made his last season with the team unforgettable, leading the Maroons with 12 points.
Francis Lopez and Quentin Millora-Brown also delivered stellar performances. Lopez posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Millora-Brown added 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Lopez's top-of-the-key three-pointer with 1:12 left on the clock extended UP's lead to a comfortable 64-60.
Despite a quick layup by DLSU's EJ Gollena, Millora-Brown answered with two clutch free throws, sealing the victory.
La Salle's Season MVP Kevin Quiambao's triple attempt failed, and Gollena missed two crucial free throws, ending DLSU's hopes of a comeback.
This victory marks UP's fourth UAAP championship title. The Fighting Maroons previously won in 1939, 1986 (Season 49), 2021 (Season 84), and now in 2024 (Season 87).
