University of the Philippines‘ Francis Lopez in action against De La Salle University in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals, December 15, 2024, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.

MANILA (UPDATED) — The University of the Philippines completed its redemption tour on Sunday to be crowned as UAAP men's basketball champions once again.

The Fighting Maroons reclaimed the title after they defeated De La Salle University, 66-62, in Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals in front of a record-breaking 25,248 fans at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

This was the second championship of State U in the last four seasons — also their program's fourth UAAP title overall — and UP was able to finally bounce back after their runner-up finishes in Seasons 85 and 86 wherein they lost to Ateneo de Manila University and La Salle, respectively.

Heading the charge for the Diliman-based team in completing their successful year was graduating guard JD Cagulangan who was named Finals MVP, with the veteran playmaker providing stability for his squad against a tough La Salle team.

READ: Game 3 between UP, La Salle draws record crowd

READ: Finals MVP JD Cagulangan ends his UP career as a champion

"Sobrang happy ko na napunta ako sa programang ito. Winelcome nila ako ng maayos, at deserve ng UP na manalo this season," said the 5-foot-10 floor general, who posted 12 points, four assists, three steals, and two rebounds in his last game in the UAAP.

Aside from Cagulangan , Quentin Millora-Brown was also among those who helped UP clinch the win as he delivered an 18-point, 10-rebound game, while Francis Lopez redeemed himself with 12 markers, three of which served as the dagger for the Fighting Maroons in the end game. 

"Very thankful ako especially sa mga bata na you know, from the start ng season after namin matalo last year, tinatrabaho talaga nila," hailed UP coach Goldwin Monteverde.

"Even during the course of the season, yung ups and downs namin, I'm very proud of each and everyone sa team namin. Thankful din ako sa coaching staff na wala ring tigil. Pag wala sila, ‘di ko rin magagawa yung dapat kong gawin," he continued.

When UP was only leading by one, 61-60, late in the payoff period, Lopez drained a clutch three-pointer at the 1:12 mark to give State U a 64-60 cushion with only 1:12 left in the game.

It was a massive moment for Lopez, who had a handful of mistakes in the closing stretch of Game 2 last Wednesday that allowed La Salle to force a deciding Game 3.

An EJ Gollena lay-in off a steal 28 seconds later got the Green Archers within two, 64-62, but Quentin Millora-Brown extended State U's lead to four a few plays later for a crucial two-possession lead, 66-62.

Gollena had two attempts from the foul line as La Salle looked to cut their deficit to two again with only eight seconds left, but he missed both of his shots, and this eventually led to the Season 86 champions being dethroned by UP.

The UP Fighting Maroons celebrate after winning the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball championship against La Salle, December 15, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Earlier, La Salle saw themselves down by 14, 54-40, after Gerry Abadiano went on a personal 7-to-nothing run for up which was capped by his two free throws at the 5:06 mark of the third.

Fortunately for the Taft-based cagers, Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, and Mike Phillips took charge by pouring in a 16-to-two surge to tie the game at 56 after a triple by Quiambao at the 9:14 mark of the fourth.

Cagulangan then went on to give UP as slim 61-58 lead later on after a three-pointer with 6:53 left in the contest, but Lian Ramiro brought La Salle to within striking distance, 61-60, after a lay-in at the same frame's 1:31 mark.

Unfortunately for the Green Archers, their comeback would fall short as the Maroons rediscovered their footing thanks in large part to Lopez's clutch three-pointer.

Phillips led all scorers with an 18-point, 12-rebound game, while Quiambao had a quiet performance of 13 markers and four boards. The latter held himself accountable after he fell short of leading La Salle to victory.

"I'm so proud of my team. Win or lose, blame is on me," said the back-to-back league MVP. 

"Ako may kasalanan ng lahat nang yon. I take ownership sa lahat ng ginawa ko. Pero sobrang proud na nakarating kami ng Finals, decider Game 3. It was a surreal feeling for me, pati sa buong team. Yun nga medyo kinapos lang, pero babawi sila," he added.

READ: Kevin Quiambao takes responsibility after La Salle falls short of title repeat

The Scores:

UP 66 – Millora-Brown 14, Cagulangan 12, Lopez 12, Abadiano 9, Alarcon 7, Fortea 4, Stevens 4, Torres 2, Ududo 2, Torculas 0, Felicilda 0, Bayla 0.

La Salle 62 – M. Phillips 18, Quiambao 13, Macalalag 6, David 6, Agunanne 5, Ramiro 5, Austria 3, Gollena 2, Rubico 2, Dungo 2, Gonzales 0, Marasigan 0.

Quarterscores: 21-21, 42-36, 56-50, 66-62.

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