In Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Finals, Quentin Millora-Brown was a man on a mission, determined to make up for lost time.
The 6-foot-10 Filipino-American center had missed University of the Philippines’ second-round clash against De La Salle University due to the passing of his grandfather.
In that absence, UP sorely missed his impact, succumbing to a 66-77 defeat – their fourth consecutive loss to La Salle.
But by the Finals opener, Millora-Brown ensured his presence was not just felt.
It was impossible to ignore.
He delivered a team-high 17 points and nine rebounds, powering the Fighting Maroons to a 73-65 victory over the Green Archers.
The win both handed UP a crucial 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and snapped their four-game skid against the defending champions.
“I mean, for me, it’s just about working hard every day,” said Millora-Brown, who previously played for The Citadel in the US NCAA.
“I think that we had a great game plan going into the game, and obviously, they started out real well. We just had to roll with it.”
Millora-Brown has been vocal about how deeply he values wearing UP’s iconic maroon jersey.
For him, it’s more than a uniform – it’s a connection to his grandfather, who was an alumnus of the university.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“You know, it means so much to me. UP is the place where my grandfather went to school. It’s a place that, this year, I was so glad to be able to make those memories – things that he’s seen, things that he’s done, and the pride that I feel when I wear the jersey,” Millora-Brown shared.
“Being able to win the next game and finish out the season the right way would be amazing.”
However, the one-and-done star is well aware of the challenge ahead. He vividly remembers last season’s finals, where UP went up 1-0, only for La Salle to storm back and claim the championship in Games 2 and 3.
“We know that it’s a tough road. We have a lot to do as we prepare for the second game because La Salle is not gonna back down. They’re gonna come out with even more fight next game, and we have to step up to that level,” Millora-Brown said.
A major test for him will be battling La Salle’s Mike Phillips in the frontcourt.
The hyper-productive big man showcased his resilience in Game 1, shaking off a quiet first half (five points on 2-of-7 shooting) to finish with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“They’re strong. They’re a strong team. They crash really hard, and just that attention to boxing out every time – it’s tough,” Millora-Brown admitted.
“But it’s something we’ve talked about as a team, so we just keep doing it. It’s not just my job, but it’s everyone’s job to rebound defensively.”
Given La Salle’s explosiveness, Millora-Brown isn’t dwelling on his standout performance. Instead, his focus remains on maintaining stability for the Fighting Maroons.
“For me, it’s all about the process of just being there every day: being ready, being prepared to improve, being prepared to take the game plan,” he explained.
“That stability is what they’re looking for from me.”
The stage is set for another heated battle as Millora-Brown, Phillips, and their teams lock horns in Game 2 on Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Millora-Brown’s composure and leadership will undoubtedly be crucial as he aims to guide UP to their first championship since UAAP Season 84.
Whether his steadying presence can tip the scales in favor of the Fighting Maroons will soon be revealed.
