Despite the valiant fight the Fighting Maroons put up in the starting quarter of Game 2 on December 3, the University of the Philippines (UP) is heading into Game 3 against De La Salle University (DLSU) for the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball championship.
UP started out strong in the first quarter, coming out on top at 27 against La Salle’s 24. However, La Salle started to pick up momentum by the middle quarters, gaining a strong lead.
The Fighting Maroons put up a brave assault against the Green Archers, with graduating players CJ Cansino and Malick Diouf scoring 11 points each. Harold Alarcon also took charge and scored a total of ten points for UP.
When it came down to the final quarter, the Fighting Maroons tried to maintain their fight and energy to prove how hungry they were for the ultimate title. Unfortunately, they remain hungry and ready to fight another day as the final score showed 82-60, with De La Salle University coming out victorious.
UP President Angelo Jimenez, who attended the critical match, offered encouraging words to the hardworking UP players.“Congratulations, guys! That was a very good fight!” he said. “We know we can’t always be in tip-top condition and the games will not always favor us. But champions are champions. We learn our lessons, adjust, and fight back stronger. And I still believe in you. I will always believe in you and the entire UP community will always back you up. We produce more presidents than UAAP championships. You know what to do next time. Go for it, lads! Go for the gold!”
Even with the one loss in Game 2, the Fighting Maroons are looking to aim high and bring home the UAAP Season 86 championship. The fated final battle between UP and DLSU will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, December 6, 2023, 4:00 PM.
One final push for the UP Fighting Maroons. Iskolar ng Bayan, ngayon ay lumalaban!
Watch President Angelo Jimenez’s message to the UP Fighting Maroons and the highlights of Game 2 in this season’s finals. Video by Al Nikko Nagutom, UP MPRO.
