BASKETBALL
UP reclaims the crown, gives Cagulangan and Millora-Brown a storybook ending to their UAAP careers

In front of a record crowd of 25,248, the University of the Philippines displayed their Utak at Puso, reclaiming the UAAP Men’s Basketball crown after two consecutive bridesmaid finishes, and dethroning De La Salle University, 62-66, on Sunday, December 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City.
This UAAP Championship marked UP’s fourth in history, and second in four seasons after the University’s 36-year drought ender in Season 84.
Heading into the deciding game, both teams were at a 1-1 slate, with UP having triumphed in Game 1 of the series, 73-65, before DLSU evened things out with a come-from-behind Game 2 win, 75-76.
The UP Fighting Maroons’ lead swelled to 14 in the third quarter, 54-40, courtesy of two Gerry Abadiano free throws, but to open the final frame, DLSU went on an 18-4 run to tie the game at 58-all. The Maroons, however, continued to retain their composure with JD Cagulangan sinking in a triple at the 6:55 marker to deny the Green Archers the lead.
With 5:20 minutes left, and with UP holding a slim three-point lead at 61-58, Phillips was sent to substitute Quiambao, and, due to no stoppages on either end, he wasn’t able to return to the game until the 1:49 mark.
During that time, both teams encountered a scoring drought until Liam Ramiro broke the dry spell with a two-point jumper with a little over a minute left on the clock to get DLSU within just one, 60-61.
With 1:12 to go, Francis Lopez – who previously missed four crucial free throws that could have won them in Game 2 – put in a dagger three to extend the Maroons’ lead to four, 64-60.
EJ Gollena then managed to steal the ball and score a layup to cut the deficit to a one possession game with 44 seconds left on the clock, but Millora-Brown dashed La Salle’s hopes of defending the title with two free throws to bring their lead back to four, 62-66, with 11.3 seconds left. Phillips fouled out of the game then after sending UP’s big man to the line where he finalized the game score.
Quiambao made one more attempt at shooting a trey, but his shot missed the mark, while Gollena also had an opportunity to give DLSU a glimmer of hope when he was sent to the line, but he missed both freebies.
With a final rebound from Harold Alarcon, the redemption arc was completed as the clock struck zero, and the Fighting Maroons successfully dethroned the De La Salle Green Archers, bringing the crown back to Diliman
One-and-done Millora-Brown led the team in their triumph, finishing his UAAP career by adding another double-double to his resume, with 14 points, including two free throws that sealed the game, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block.
Meanwhile, Lopez conquered his Game 2 ghost of the past, tallying a double-double as well, with 12 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal and a block. And despite tallying nine turnovers, he redeemed himself with the big three at the tailend of the game.
Graduating guard and co-captain JD Cagulangan–who made the historic winning shot to end UP’s 36-year title drought–showcased an impressive finals performance, averaging 13.66 points, 4.33 rebounds, and 4.66 assists, earning himself the title of Finals MVP for his final achievement in the UAAP.
In his last game, he finished with 12 points, two rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Phillips took charge for the Green Archers in the losing effort, with a double-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block, but shot a measly 6-of-15 from the free throw line.
Additionally, in this match where they lost by a slim four points, the rest of the Green Archers also had a poor free throw game this Game 3, scoring just 12 of their 28 attempts.
Meanwhile, Korea-bound Quiambao contributed 13 points and four rebounds in his departing game.
Joshua David and Liam Ramiro, who have also played their final games with DLSU chipped in six and five points respectively.
The Scores:
UP 66 – Millora-Brown 14, Lopez 12, Cagulangan 12, Abadiano 9, Alarcon 7, Fortea 4, Stevens 4, Torres 2, Ududo 2, Felicilda 0, Bayla 0, Torculas 0.
DLSU 62 – Phillips 18, Quiambao 13, David 6, Macalalag 6, Agunnane 5, Ramiro 5, Austria 3, Gollena 2, Rubico 2, Dungo 2, Marasigan 0, Gonzales 0.
Quarterscores: 21-21, 42-36, 56-50, 66-62.