The University of the Philippines relied on the trio of center Quentin Millora-Brown, forward Francis Lopez, and point guard Joel Diomar “JD” Cagulangan to dethrone the defending UAAP men’s basketball champions, the De La Salle Green Archers, and reclaim the crown in Season 87 of collegiate hoop tournament. Indeed, for UP, the third time proved to be the charm.
Sunday night’s winner-take-all Game 3 at the packed Smart Araneta Coliseum served as a dramatic replay of the Season 86 finals between the same two teams. It nearly ended with a familiar result, as La Salle trailed by just one point, 60-61, with still 1:31 following a lay-up by guard Lian Ramiro.
Ramiro’s point in the paint broke a 5-minute scoring drought from both teams after a 3-point shot from Cagulangan with 6:55 left in the game to break a 58-58 tie.
After a UP time following the Ramiro lay-up, Lopez—looking to redeem himself after a nightmarish Game 2 performance—drilled a crucial three-pointer to give UP a four-point lead, 64-60, with just 71 seconds remaining.
La Salle’s EJ Gollena responded with a quick layup, narrowing the gap to 62-64.
On the next possession, Cagulangan missed a shot, but UP guard Gerry Abadiano was quick to secure the rebound. Millora-Brown was fouled while attacking the basket and calmly sank both free throws, sealing the victory with a final score of 66-62.
Millora-Brown finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, Lopez added 12 points and 11 boards, while the graduating Cagulangan—hero of UP’s championship run in Season 84—contributed 12 points.
Not only did Cagulangan capture his second UAAP title, but he was also named Finals Most Valuable Player.
Meanwhile, Season 87 MVP Kevin Quiambao remained tight-lipped about his future plans, including whether he would pursue a lucrative three-year contract he reportedly signed with the Korea Basketball League, after failing to defend the UAAP crown.
