Repeat vs. Redemption: La Salle, UP to go all out in winner-takes-all Game 3

De La Salle University star Mike Phillips in action against University of the Philippines center Quentin Millora-Brown in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals Game 3, December 11, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines will face off in another all-or-nothing encounter for UAAP men’s basketball glory.

Much like in 2023, the Green Archers and the Fighting Maroons are to clash in a Finals Game 3 fight after Kevin Quiambao willed the Taft-based cagers to a Game 2 victory last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

It was an emotional victory for the Topex Robinson-mentored team which was hanging on for dear life in the final minutes of the contest.

READ: La Salle stays alive with emotional comeback, sets up another do-or-die vs. UP

La Salle came back from nine down all thanks to the heroics of two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, with 6-foot-6, do-it-all superstar draining clutch baskets to show why he is the league’s best player.

“Sobrang emotional ko kasi pinagpuyatan ko ‘to. At alam ko kung ano yung pagkakamali ko nung Game 1,” the Muntinlupa native said just before exiting the Pasay Bayside arena.

KQ finished with 22 points — 11 of which came in the pivotal fourth canto — together with nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal. But for Robinson, what powered these contributions, aside from his star player’s talent, was the faith that they held onto when elimination was about to knock them straight in their faces.
De La Salle University superstar Kevn Quiambao celebrates against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals Game 3, December 11, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.“When we were down and out, [Mike Phillips and Quiambao] just told everybody that just don't give up, just keep playing,” said Robinson. “I don't know what happened, and I don't know what transpired but we're so grateful that we got to see another day and get to play another game of championship."

“We just kept on holding on to each other. We were making mistakes, but these guys were just supporting each other so yun nga, I think it was really the bond that was set. I don't know what to say. I'm just lost for words,” he added.

On the other hand, the Fighting Maroons’ priority after failing to hold on to their late lead last Wednesday is no other than to focus on Sunday’s special and move past their costly errors in the end game.

“‘Di pa naman tapos, may Game 3 pa,” said UP floor general JD Cagulangan who impressed with 16 points, nine of which came through three triples in the third, as well as seven rebounds, and five assists.

Unfortunately for State U, they fell to 0-4 in Game 2s since early 2022 following Wednesday’s final buzzer due to missed free throws, untimely turnovers, and Quiambao rediscovering his touch through a troika of tough three-pointers.

Despite this, Cagulangan remains steady and refuses to dwell on what could have been rather than lamenting their blunders.

READ: UP's Francis Lopez on missed free throws in endgame vs La Salle: 'No excuse'
University of the Philippines star JD Cagulangan agaisnt De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals Game 3, December 11, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.“So simple lang po, move on lang,” JD said. “‘Wag kalimutan kung ano nangyari sa Game 2, pero pag aralan dapat, on to the next game na kami. Kailangan lang matuto kami sa kung ano yung pagkakamali, and sa maganda na mga ginawa namin.”

Even Francis Lopez who had his stellar 16-point, nine-rebound game spoiled by committing a number of UP’s mistakes is eager to silence his doubters anew by focusing on how he could bounce back.

“I believe we didn't have any timeouts at the end. We were just looking for the open man. I had turnovers, and you know, we just couldn't get it to Maimai,” he said. “But it's no excuse. Can’t do nothing about it but move on. We still have Game 3, we still have another opportunity, so we're gonna be focused on that one.”

His mentor Goldwin Monteverde aired similar sentiments, but the champion tactician is also challenging his troops to remain tough for them to avoid the same fate that they have met in the past two Finals series.

“Lahat naman it takes two games to win a championship,” he emphasized. “We’ll do our best, and we’ll be ready after. Whatever happens, we’ll be ready for them.”

“Ang importante yung pag bangon. Alam namin na hindi pa naman tapos ang series. We just have to keep our heads up. Life goes on. Ganun naman talaga ang buhay: Kung minsan it will go your way.”

“But then if you fall short, yung basketball is the perfect [platform] for them to be stronger, for them to learn. Definitely, with this loss, matututo kaming lahat. We’ll come back stronger Sunday,” he added.

Meanwhile, what Robinson wants La Salle to show in Game 3 remains true to what they have been doing since their title defense started — competing in unison no matter what happens.

“We always start our game with that circle,” said Coach Topex, talking about their pregame huddles. “That's the circle of safety for us. With that circle, we protect each other, and if you're not part of that circle, that means whatever it is that you say or you do will not affect us.”

“Within that also are the people that came before us, so that bond just keeps us getting stronger together, but you know, we still enjoy the moment because it is the only one we could hold on to. We don't regret the past anymore, and we don't worry about the future because we're just trying to sink into that moment.”

“That's how we're going to approach Sunday, we're just going to enjoy it. The crowd will be crazy, but that's what we're here for. The reason why you play the finals is for these kinds of moments. You prepare for those moments and nobody could take that away from you, so we just keep on enjoying it,” he added.

Game time on Sunday at the Big Dome is at 5:30 p.m.

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