Fifty-five days after the heated “spitgate” incident between title contenders University of the Philippines and De La Salle University, the two teams will again face off in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament Finals.
This marks their second consecutive showdown for the championship.
The controversy originated during their first-round encounter, when an altercation in the third quarter led to allegations that Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson spat on Fighting Maroons forward Reyland Torres.
The incident drew widespread attention and heightened tensions between the teams.
Despite the incident, Torres has expressed his determination to move forward, emphasizing that his focus remains on the team’s championship aspirations.
However, the stakes are higher now, and Torres acknowledges that the controversial moment will serve as motivation in their quest to reclaim the title they last won in Season 84 (2022).
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Magiging motivation na lang ‘yon. Dadalhin ko siya pero hindi na siya gaano kabigat para sa akin kasi as a team, kailangan ako ng team para maging isa kami,” Torres shared with Tiebreaker Times after UP’s 78-69 semifinal victory over University of Santo Tomas on Saturday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
He emphasized, “Hindi ko kailangan maging selfish na manggigil dahil lang doon.”
For Torres, this Finals series isn’t just about redemption – it’s about honoring the Fighting Maroons’ seniors in their final UAAP campaigns.
Co-captain JD Cagulangan has been a cornerstone of the team and is expected to be named to the Season 87 Mythical Five. He will be playing his final game, having used up his eligibility.
Center Quentin Millora-Brown, meanwhile, will also bid farewell to the team after a one-and-done season.
“Sa championship, bibigay ko talaga yung lahat para mabalik yung title sa Diliman. Para sa akin, bibigay ko yung lahat ko para kay Maimai at QMB,” said the defensive specialist.
“Kasi si Maimai at QMB, sobrang leader nila sa amin ‘eh. Alam mo yung gutom na gutom sila manalo, so nandoon din kami na nahahatak din kami, na mas gutom kami manalo para sa kanila.”
