The UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Finals between De La Salle University and University of the Philippines concluded with a winner-take-all game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 17, drawing 24,339 fans.
While the turnout didn’t break the arena’s basketball record of 25,248 set during last season’s Game 3, or the league record of 25,388 set by the 2015 UAAP Cheerdance Competition, it reflected a noticeable rise in fan interest compared to previous seasons.
This year’s three-game series averaged 21,653 spectators per game, surpassing the Season 87 Finals’ average of 21,061.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Game 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on December 10 drew 18,210 fans as the Green Archers edged out the Fighting Maroons, 74-70.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Game 2, also at the Mall of Asia Arena, attracted 22,412 spectators as UP forced a winner-take-all Game 3 with a 66-63 victory on December 14.
In comparison, Season 87 saw UP capture Game 3 of the Finals, 66-62, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, setting the arena’s basketball record.
