(2024 December 15). Vancouver, CA – In a tale defined by resilience, determination, and the will to overcome adversity, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons clinched the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Championship with a hard-fought 66-62 victory over the De La Salle University Green Archers. The triumph, achieved on December 15, 2024, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, marked a fitting end to years of near-misses and heartbreaks as UP reasserted its place at the top of collegiate basketball.
The journey to this victory had been anything but smooth. A year earlier, the Fighting Maroons suffered a heartbreaking loss in the finals to La Salle, and another defeat in the elimination round intensified their resolve. UP was determined to seek redemption and overcome its past failures despite these setbacks.
The final showdown was as thrilling as it was dramatic. The game swung back and forth, with neither team willing to relinquish control. UP began to take command in the second quarter, fueled by the gritty performances of their key players, including Francis Lopez and Quentin Millora-Brown. By halftime, the Maroons held a 42-36 advantage. Still, La Salle, led by MVP Kevin Quiambao, was not about to go quietly into the night.
A blistering 16-2 run in the third quarter brought La Salle back into the game, tying the score at 56-all. With the momentum shifting, the Maroons’ composure in the last few minutes proved the game-changer. Senior point guard JD Cagulangan, playing in his final game for UP, hit a clutch three-pointer to give his team a one-point lead. But it was Lopez, who had been haunted by missed free throws in Game 2, who delivered the dagger—sinking a critical three-pointer to put up four points with just over a minute remaining.
With the lead in hand, UP’s defence stood firm. Millora-Brown, a dominant force throughout the game, sealed the win with two free throws in the closing seconds. Despite a last-ditch effort by La Salle, including a missed three-pointer by Quiambao and free throws from EJ Gollena, the Maroons held on, securing their fourth UAAP title and second in just four years.
“It’s amazing to end our season on a win. So, few people can say they end their season on a win. It’s something I’ll always look back on and smile,” said Millora-Brown, who finished with 14 points and ten rebounds, earning MVP honours for his outstanding performance.
The victory was lovely for Cagulangan, a key player in the historic 2022 championship that ended UP’s 36-year title drought. His 12-point, four-assist, and three-steal performance in the finals sealed his legacy as one of the program’s greatest players and earned him the Finals MVP award. In a post-game interview, Cagulangan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the UP community: “We were overwhelmed by the support you’ve given us wherever we go.”
For Lopez, the championship was a personal redemption. After a missed free throw in the final moments of Game 2 that contributed to the Maroons’ loss, the young forward rose to the occasion, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds, including his clutch three-pointer that proved to be the game’s turning point.
La Salle, though disappointed, had nothing to be ashamed of. Kevin Quiambao led the Green Archers with 13 points, and Mike Phillips contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. Still, more was needed. A balanced attack and steely resolve weren’t enough. La Salle had mounted a valiant comeback, but the Maroons’ ability to execute under pressure proved the difference.
This championship, which marked UP’s fourth overall title, was a testament to their immense talent and their growth as a team. Under the leadership of head coach Goldwin Monteverde, who secured his second UAAP title with the Maroons, the team overcame the painful lessons of previous seasons. “Yung sakit ng two years, ginawa naming motivation. No matter how hard it is to prepare, nilaban namin,” Monteverde said after the game, reflecting on the team’s resilience and determination.
The victory wasn’t just about basketball. It was about the entire journey—the heartbreak, the losses, and the unwavering support from the UP community. The fans who had stood by the team through thick and thin finally had their moment of triumph. As the final buzzer sounded, the Maroons celebrated not just a championship but the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and belief in their ability to rise above the odds.
The UP Men’s Basketball Team won their first-ever UAAP Championship in 1939. They later won again in 1986, ending a 47-year championship drought, and then secured another victory in 2022 after a 36-year gap. Their most recent championship came in 2024, marking a significant redemption after coming close in previous years.
For the UP Fighting Maroons, the 2024 UAAP championship was the crowning achievement of a remarkable journey. From the heartbreaks of past seasons to the jubilation of this victory, they proved that there’s nowhere to go but up. And for the fans who have supported them through every high and low, this victory was not just a title but a dream fulfilled. (MBB)By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua
