UP Fighting Maroons’ Clutch Victory Reclaims UAAP Crown

The UP Fighting Maroons rallied to defeat La Salle in a nail-biter for the championship, and their reign as UAAP basketball champions was solidified. Quentin Millora-Brown made the game-winning free throws, and Francis Lopez and JD Cagulangan demonstrated why UP is once again at the top. In this post-game analysis, we’ll look at the crucial moments that defined the championship and the players who led UP to victory.

UP Fighting Maroons Clutch Victory: How They Survived La Salle’s Last Stand to Reclaim the UAAP Men’s Basketball Crown🔥

In a heart-stopping Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Finals, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons fought off a valiant comeback by the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers to clinch their fourth UAAP basketball championship in school history. The game, played before a raucous crowd of 25,248 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, was a dramatic, edge-of-your-seat affair that left basketball fans buzzing long after the final buzzer.

UP’s 66-62 win over La Salle not only secured the title but also marked a triumphant return to the throne after their last championship in 2022. This thrilling victory was the culmination of a season filled with ups and downs, proving that perseverance, clutch moments, and mental fortitude were key to their success.

The Road to Glory: A Historic Finale

The First Half: UP Fighting Maroons Takes Control

The battle began with both teams showing incredible defensive intensity. UP and La Salle traded blows throughout the first half, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. But UP’s balanced offensive attack, combined with their lockdown defense, allowed them to edge out the Green Archers.

At the break, UP led 42-36, but La Salle wasn’t far behind. The Green Archers, led by Mike Phillips and Kevin Quiambao, were clearly not backing down.

The Third Quarter: La Salle Makes Their Move

The pivotal moment of the game came midway through the third quarter when UP managed to build a 14-point lead (54-40). It seemed like the Maroons were on their way to closing out the series in dominating fashion.

However, La Salle wasn’t about to go down without a fight. CJ Austria sparked a late rally, drilling a key three-pointer as the third quarter ended, and suddenly, the Green Archers were back in business. By the end of the third, La Salle had trimmed UP’s lead to 56-50, setting the stage for a tense final quarter.

The Final Quarter: Drama Unfolds

The fourth quarter delivered everything fans hoped for—and more. La Salle came out strong, opening with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 56-56, putting the pressure on the Fighting Maroons. With the championship on the line, JD Cagulangan hit a crucial three-pointer to give UP a slim 61-58 lead with 6:53 remaining, but the tension was palpable.

For nearly five minutes, both teams struggled to score. But in the final moments, the game turned into a battle of wills.

Lian Ramiro of La Salle hit a basket to cut UP’s lead to just 1 point (64-61) with 1:34 left, giving the Green Archers hope of completing the comeback.
However, Francis Lopez stepped up with a cold-blooded three-pointer to extend UP’s lead to 64-61 with under a minute remaining, effectively putting the game out of reach.
With 11.3 seconds left, Quentin Millora-Brown calmly sank two clutch free throws to seal the victory and secure UP’s fourth title.

Key Highlights: The Moments that Defined the Game

CJ Austria’s Spark: After a dominant third quarter from UP, CJ Austria ignited La Salle’s rally with a huge three-pointer at the close of the period. His shot helped bring the Green Archers within striking distance heading into the fourth.
JD Cagulangan’s Crucial Three: With 6:53 remaining in the fourth quarter, Cagulangan nailed a huge three-pointer to give UP a 61-58 lead. This shot was critical in stopping La Salle’s momentum and gave the Maroons a boost as they entered the final minutes.
Francis Lopez’s Ice-Cold Three: With less than a minute remaining, Francis Lopez hit a clutch three-pointer to extend UP’s lead to 64-61. His shot deflated La Salle’s comeback attempt and allowed the Maroons to regain control of the game.
Millora-Brown’s Championship-Sealing Free Throws: As La Salle’s defense tried to pressure UP in the final seconds, Quentin Millora-Brown stood calm at the free-throw line. His two clutch free throws, with 11.3 seconds left, secured the Maroons’ victory and gave them their fourth title in history.

Game Changer: Quentin Millora-Brown

The ultimate game-changer was Quentin Millora-Brown, who demonstrated exceptional poise under pressure. 14 points, 10 rebounds, and his two game-winning free throws were not just a testament to his skills but a tribute to his late grandfather. Despite being in his only season with the Fighting Maroons, Millora-Brown stepped up when the stakes were the highest and played like a seasoned veteran.

His contributions throughout the series, especially in Game 3, showcased his ability to perform in clutch situations, making him a worthy Finals MVP. His journey from being a first-time UAAP player to delivering the game-sealing free throws made this victory a full-circle moment in his basketball career.

Fans’ Reactions: Emotions Run High Across the Nation

From Ecstasy to Relief:

The victory was not just about basketball; it was about redemption, emotion, and pride for UP Fighting Maroons fans. On social media, fans flooded platforms with reactions ranging from tears of joy to pure celebration. Many commented on how this title felt even sweeter after enduring the painful loss in the elimination round to La Salle, a game that forced UP Fighting Maroons to rebuild their confidence and unity.

“We fought so hard! This one’s for the alumni, for everyone who believed in us. We are the champions!” – A fan tweet from UP supporter @UPMaroonPride.

Fans shared videos of spontaneous celebrations across Diliman, with students chanting the famous “UP, UP, UP!” battle cry, echoing through the streets of Metro Manila. Meanwhile, La Salle fans commended the Green Archers’ effort, especially in their valiant comeback attempt, but acknowledged the Maroons’ superior execution in the final moments.

Post-Game Quotes: Coaches and Players Reflect on the Win

Coach Goldwin Monteverde’s Leadership

Coach Goldwin Monteverde was emotional after the win, crediting his team’s hard work and dedication throughout the season. He emphasized the importance of staying focused under pressure, especially after losing to La Salle earlier in the season.

“The preparation was key. The pain from the past two years became our motivation. No matter how hard it was, we fought through it,” Monteverde said in his post-game interview.

La Salle’s Coach Derrick Pumaren’s Respect

Despite the loss, La Salle’s Coach Derrick Pumaren praised his team for their resilience and commitment. He acknowledged that although they fought hard, UP Fighting Maroons was simply the better team on the night.

“We were close, but close doesn’t count. UP Fighting Maroons played better in the crucial moments. We’ll bounce back stronger,” Pumaren said.

Stats Breakdown: Game 3 Final Stats

Team	Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks
UP	Millora-Brown	14	10	1	1	1
	Lopez	12	11	6	1	1
	Cagulangan	12	2	4	3	0
	Abadiano	9	1	2	0	0
DLSU	Phillips	18	12	2	1	1
	Quiambao	13	4	2	0	0
	David	6	1	0	0	0
	Macalalag	6	0	1	0	0

Fan Reactions: A Rollercoaster of Emotions 🎉😭

The UP Fighting Maroons Faithful Celebrate Their Return to Glory

After two long years of heartbreak, the UP Fighting Maroons finally returned to their rightful place at the top of UAAP men’s basketball, and fans couldn’t have been more ecstatic. The atmosphere at Smart Araneta Coliseum was electric, with the crowd filled with anticipation as the Maroons battled through La Salle’s fierce rally.

Social media erupted as fans shared their excitement, with hashtags like #UPFight #MaroonsOnTop trending across Twitter and Instagram. UP alumni, students, and fans across the country were overjoyed, and many took to the streets in Diliman to celebrate their team’s hard-earned victory.

One UP Fighting Maroons fan, @Maroons4Life, expressed their joy on Twitter:

“Finally!! We waited so long for this! The Maroons are back! This title feels like redemption! 🏆💪 #UPFightingMaroons #Champion”

La Salle Fans: Proud but Heartbroken

Although La Salle fans were disappointed by the loss, their unwavering support for the Green Archers was clear. They applauded the team’s effort in fighting back from a 14-point deficit and giving UP Fighting Maroons a run for their money in the final moments.

@LaSalleGreenArmy tweeted:

“Heartbreak, but proud of our boys. We gave it our all, and we’ll be back stronger! 💚🏀 #GreenArchers”

Indeed, despite the loss, La Salle’s resilience throughout the series earned them the respect of many basketball fans, and the Green Archers’ competitive spirit will undoubtedly fuel their drive for the next season.

Key Game-Changing Moments: The Clutch Plays That Defined the Finals

1. CJ Austria’s 3rd Quarter Spark 🔥

As UP Fighting Maroons threatened to pull away in the third quarter, it was CJ Austria who lit a fire under La Salle. With the Green Archers trailing by 14 points, Austria hit a huge three-pointer to end the period, reducing the gap to 56-50 and igniting La Salle’s comeback attempt in the final quarter. His timely shot energized the La Salle bench and gave them the belief that they could still take control.

2. JD Cagulangan’s Big 3-Pointer 🏀

As La Salle stormed back and tied the game in the fourth, the pressure was mounting on UP Fighting Maroons. However, with 6:53 left in the game, JD Cagulangan, who had been instrumental all series, nailed a crucial three-pointer to give UP Fighting Maroons a 61-58 lead. The shot broke La Salle’s momentum and gave the Fighting Maroons the breathing room they desperately needed to regain control of the game.

Cagulangan’s clutch shooting and leadership in high-pressure situations were hallmarks of his performance throughout the finals, making him the deserving Finals MVP.

3. Francis Lopez’s Game-Sealing Three 💥

With the game on the line, it was Francis Lopez who stepped up and delivered a cold-blooded three-pointer with less than a minute remaining, extending UP’s lead to 64-61. That shot turned out to be the dagger in La Salle’s hopes of completing the comeback.

Lopez’s performance, which included a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) and his poise under pressure, made him an essential contributor to UP’s title run.

4. Millora-Brown’s Free Throws: The Icing on the Cake 🎯

In the final moments of the game, with La Salle trailing by just two points, Quentin Millora-Brown calmly sank two free throws with 11.3 seconds left to seal the win. His clutch performance at the charity stripe was a full-circle moment for the Fil-Am center, who had been coached by his late grandfather to always excel in free-throw shooting.

After the game, Millora-Brown shared the emotional connection to the victory, dedicating his success to his late grandfather, a UP alumnus.

“Hitting those free throws at the end was not just for the team, but also for my lolo (grandfather). He always talked about the importance of free throws, and I just wanted to make him proud.”

Post-Game Interviews: Coach Goldwin Monteverde and Player Reflections

Coach Goldwin Monteverde: A Mastermind of Resilience

Coach Goldwin Monteverde was visibly emotional as he spoke after the victory, reflecting on how the pain of past defeats was channeled into the team’s focus and determination.

“It wasn’t easy. We knew La Salle was a great team, and they were going to fight until the end. But we stayed true to our game plan, and our players trusted each other,” Monteverde shared. “This is for the UP Fighting Maroons community, for everyone who believed in us through thick and thin.”

Quentin Millora-Brown: The Quiet Hero

After the game, Quentin Millora-Brown gave an emotional interview about how his basketball journey had come full circle.

“I came here to fulfill my grandfather’s wish and to represent UP Fighting Maroons. To be able to help win this championship in his honor, it just means the world to me,” Millora-Brown said, fighting back tears.

Francis Lopez: Stepping Up in the Big Moments

Francis Lopez, who contributed significantly to the win with his rebounding, scoring, and leadership, spoke about his mentality heading into the crucial moments.

“In the final minutes, I just kept telling myself to stay calm and trust the process. I’ve been in those moments before, and I knew my teammates would be there to back me up,” Lopez said. “It’s all about doing the little things—defense, rebounding, and hitting the big shots when it matters.”

Conclusion: The UP Fighting Maroons ‘ Return to Glory 👑

With their 66-62 win over La Salle, the UP Fighting Maroons not only reclaimed the UAAP Men’s Basketball Championship but also solidified their legacy as one of the premier programs in Philippine basketball. This victory wasn’t just about the X’s and O’s of the game—it was about resilience, redemption, and unity.

From the heartbreaking losses in previous seasons to the eventual triumph in the finals, UP’s road to the championship was a true testament to their character and determination. Quentin Millora-Brown, Francis Lopez, and JD Cagulangan all played pivotal roles in this historic win, and their performances will forever be etched in the memories of UP Fighting Maroons fans.

For La Salle, while the defeat stings, it is clear that their resilience, led by Mike Phillips and Kevin Quiambao, ensured that this was one of the most competitive and thrilling finals in recent memory.

The stage is now set for next season—and both teams have proven they’ll be contenders for the throne again. UP Fighting Maroons has firmly established itself as a powerhouse, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this squad that proved anything is possible with hard work, determination, and heart.

Fan Poll: What Was the Most Memorable Moment of the Game?

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JD Cagulangan’s Crucial 3-Pointer

Millora-Brown’s Championship Free Throws

Francis Lopez’s Clutch 3-Pointer

CJ Austria’s Spark in the 3rd Quarter

Disclaimer 🚨

This article is based on information and reports from various news agencies and sources. The views, analysis, and interpretations presented are not solely the author’s but are derived from official coverage of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Finals. All statistics, quotes, and game results are accurate as of Game 3 of the Finals and may be subject to change.

References

UAAP Official Website – www.uaapsports.org
UP Fighting Maroons Official Social Media Pages
De La Salle Green Archers Official Website

About the Author:

Josh Paul

Josh is an expert online casino reviewer and sports/game analyst with over 10 years of experience in the gaming industry. He has a deep understanding of online platforms, security, fair play, and sports entertainment. Known for his unbiased and thorough reviews, Josh contributes to various gaming publications, offering insightful analysis to help players and fans navigate the world of online gaming and sports entertainment.