University of the Philippines succumbed to De La Salle University, 56-68, in the highly anticipated showdown of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball finalists on October 6, Sunday, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in front of 16,106 fans in attendance.
The much awaited game marked a critical moment of the season, as prior to the game, UP had a clean 6-0 record while DLSU stood at 5-1, making both teams hungry for the top seed.
With La Salle’s triumph, they now have a tied record with UP at 6-1. But due to the “win over the other” rule, the season 86 champions have claimed the top spot while the latter slipped to second.
The Fighting Maroons were down by 20 in the second quarter, 15-35, courtesy of a Lian Ramiro triple from an assist by Mike Phillips on the other side.
In spite of the dramatic turn of events on and off the court, UP was still able to regain their ground after an impressive 27-7 run in the third period to even the score at 42 with 2:31 left in the third quarter.
Then, DLSU was able to produce a string of baskets to get ahead by seven, 49-42, from a layup by Ramiro and five straight points from Kevin Quiambao, to stop State U’s momentum.
In the final quarter, the Maroons were facing just a four-point deficit, 51-55, but the Green-and-White side went on a 13-3 run that was spearheaded by Quiambao, Joshua David, EJ Gollena, and JC Macalalag. This enabled their team to extend their lead by 14, 68-54, with less than a minute left in the game.
Ultimately, the glaring difference was in the three-point shooting, as UP made 2/20 compared to DLSU’s 11/24. It was also a dismal free throw shooting night for State U, sinking 14/26 in contrast with the Archers’ 11/18.
Veteran Harold Alarcon was able to contribute 14 points during the third period rally alone and a total of 19 points during the game, along with five rebounds and one assist.
Big man Quentin Millora-Brown also made big baskets for Diliman with 10 points on an 80% shooting clip, 10 rebounds, and one assist – delivering yet another double-double.
Reigning MVP Quiambao netted 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, while David scored 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists – which aided their team in bringing the victory to Taft.
However, 2:54 left in the third period, a heated exchange took place between La Salle’s Gian Nazario and UP’s Tom Chua before the team members, coaches, and referees were able to calm them down.
This situation transpired after DLSU head coach Topex Robinson allegedly spat on the left shoulder of UP’s Reyland Torres, which jump started the conflict between Nazario and Chua.
More than the dispute that took place, the absence of team captain JD Cagulangan was noticeable as he did not suit up for two games in a row.
But according to head coach Goldwin Monteverde, Cagulangan will be ready by the second round.
In an effort to bring back their winning ways, the UP Fighting Maroons will face the UST Growling Tigers in their first game of the second round on October 13, Sunday, at 6:00 PM in the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
On the other hand, the DLSU Green Archers will go head-to-head with the team who gave them their first loss of the season, the UE Red Warriors, on October 12, Saturday, at 6:00 PM in the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Scores
UP 56 – Alarcon 19, Millora-Brown 10, Lopez 8, Torres 6, Belmonte 5, Fortea 5, Abadiano 2. Bayla 1, Stevens 0, Felicilda 0, Torculas 0, Ududo 0
DLSU 68 – Quiambao 20, David 14, Macalalag 7, Ramiro 5, Abadam 5, Marasigan 5, Phillips 4, Gollena 4, Austria 2, Agunanne 2, Gonzales 0
Quarter Scores: 13-19, 25-38, 46-51, 56-68
This UP Fighting Maroons Club post is made in partnership with Jiang Nan Hotpot.
