DLSU extends mastery over UP to formalize no. 1 spot in the UAAP Final Four

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

And that’s just how they picture it out. Green, the color of the kryptonite.

For the second straight time this UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers got the better of their arch-rival school, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 77-66, to complete a 2-0 regular season sweep on November 10, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Heroes were aplenty during DLSU’s statement win over the Fighting Maroons, as the trio of Kevin Quiambao, Mike Phillips, and Joshua David turned it up in the second half to erase UP’s slight advantage at halftime.

It was still a nip-and-tuck affair in the first two quarters as the returning JD Cagulangan, who was absent during their first encounter due to flu, kicked off the showdown with a sense of urgency and scored in various ways.

From his crafty finishes around the rim to his sweet perimeter jumpers, the veteran floor general’s first-half efficiency resulted in a stellar outcome as he steered the Fighting Maroons to a narrow three-point lead.

Just when UP thought they could rely on Cagulangan’s scoring alone, the defending UAAP champions weathered the storm and showed that they could take the early punch and retaliate in the clutch.

DLSU started to take full control of the momentum midway through the third after back-to-back baskets from Phillips and EJ Golena energized the Green nation in attendance.

After the duo’s scoring share, the Green Archers pulled away in the fourth and extended their lead to 11 points, 73-62, courtesy of baskets from JC Macalalag, Quiambao, and David.

With only 1:45 remaining, the Fighting Maroons didn’t have the time on their side again and could only watch the Green Archers bring out the brooms to formalize the 2-0 sweep.

Quiambao delivered when DLSU needed him the most as the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) tallied 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Meanwhile, the energetic Phillips continued his streak of UAAP double-doubles after contributing 14 markers and 10 rebounds.

On the other hand, DLSU spoiled the return of Cagulangan, who was looking forward to their matchup after being helpless during their first-round showdown.

The savvy point guard led the way for the Fighting Maroons after chipping in 22 points, six boards, five dimes, and four steals, but needed more help as it was only rookie forward Jacob Bayla who provided double digits in scoring with 10.