The long wait is finally over.
University of the Philippines, once relegated to the lower rungs of the UAAP men’s basketball standings, has risen to the top for the second time in four seasons.
The Fighting Maroons dethroned champions De La Salle University, 66-62, in a nail-biting Game Three to clinch the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament title.
For UP, this victory wasn’t just a win – it was a moment of redemption, a statement that their years of hard work had finally paid off.
The scene at the SMART Araneta Coliseum was electric, a sea of maroon fans erupting into wild celebration as their team claimed the elusive crown after a two-season drought.
It was a culmination of years of grit, determination, and resilience, and for the players, coaches, and loyal supporters, the triumph was sweet.
The defining moments came from Francis Lopez, whose three-point basket gave UP the push it needed; and Quentin Millora-Brown, who showed nerves of steel, sinking critical free throws that sealed the win in the dying seconds.
For DILG Secretary and avid UP program booster Jonvic Remulla, this championship was more than just a win for the university. It was a tribute to the heart and soul of the Fighting Maroons – JD Cagulangan.
The Finals MVP etched his name into UP history with his pivotal contributions, including two crucial three-pointers and a game-changing assist to Malick Diouf during the Season 84 clincher against Ateneo de Manila University.
In Season 87, Cagulangan served as the team’s orchestrator, running the show with his leadership and poise.
“Oh God! I’m a UP diehard but a La Salle alumnus also,” said Remulla, overcome with emotion. “I’m happy both ways. Everyone deserved it. We worked so hard for this. We worked so hard for this for 11 months. The boys deserve it.
“I told JD, I told the team, ‘Let’s take JD home!’ ‘Let’s take JD home!’ He’s home! He’s home and we’re champions again!”
This victory marks a historic moment for UP, as they become the first UAAP host school to win the men’s basketball crown since Ateneo’s unbeaten run in Season 82.
Those Blue Eagles were led by coach Tab Baldwin and stars like Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, and the Nieto brothers.
Back then, it was unimaginable that UP – a school that had spent years near the bottom of the standings – would one day stand atop the podium.
But the reality is clear now: this team, under the guidance of head coach Goldwin Monteverde, has redefined what’s possible.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Bo Perasol, a key figure in UP’s resurgence, shared the pride and joy that came with this momentous victory.
As the former coach of the Fighting Maroons in Seasons 81 and 82, Perasol has seen firsthand the growth and evolution of this program.
Yet, he credits the current batch of players for making this dream a reality.
“It really feels so great right now,” said Perasol, who now serves as OASD Director. “The boys really worked hard for this and they deserve this. We’re just going to go through all of this and enjoy the moment.
“It’s something that we need to internalize now, but this is a really great win for all of us.”
This championship not only represents the peak of UP basketball’s journey but also closes the chapter on a remarkable first semester for the university.
The season opened with a grand ceremony that featured the legendary Filipino band The Eraserheads, the UP Symphony Orchestra, and the ‘Maroon 4’ – a musical collaboration that brought together artists like Slapshock guitarist Lean Ansing, Franco bassist Dave Delfin, and Moonstar88’s Bon Sundiang and Maysh Baay.
The echoes of music and school pride set the tone for what would become an unforgettable ride to the top.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As the campus celebrated its latest achievement, UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Atty. Jijil Jimenez took a moment to reflect on the significance of the win.
He didn’t just express pride for his own team but also for the Green Archers, who fought valiantly in the finals and helped make this one of the most thrilling three-game series in recent memory.
“This has been quite a struggle and we finally were able to get the championship,” Jimenez said.
“Credit to all. I’d also like to congratulate La Salle for a very good fight.”
The three-game finals showdown was a spectacle, with both teams showcasing the fierce competition that makes the UAAP such a prestigious platform.
For UP, this victory was a testament to their evolution from underdogs to champions, with a roster full of heart, skill, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
It’s been a long road for the Fighting Maroons – one filled with heartbreak, setbacks, and challenges.
But on this day, they were no longer the heartbreak kids. They were champions.
#WATCH: DILG Secretary and proud UP booster Jonvic Remulla celebrates as the Fighting Maroons seal the crown! 🏆
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/rj5Uv8aXTP
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 15, 2024
