Cover Photo: Twitter / @upmaroonpride
Photo: Twitter / @upmaroonpride
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UP Fighting Maroons finally dethrones Ateneo Blue Eagles after a three-decade title drought, leaving many in tears and laughter
On the evening of May 13, the Mall of Asia Arena crowd in Pasay City erupted in cheers and applause after the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons claimed their first championship, dethroning the three-time champion Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles during Game 3 in the UAAP 84 Men's Basketball Tournament. It has been 36 years since UP reigned, making their comeback deserving, if not, historic.
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Above Photo: Twitter / @upmaroonpride
Photo: Twitter / @upmaroonpride
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The winning moment
During halftime, UP was already leading with 31 points and AdMU with 27 points. But during the 3rd quarter, SJ Belangel shot a 3-pointer, putting AdMU in the lead with 32 points. Ange Kouame then brought AdMU to 34 while UP remained at 31.
The title clash was so intense that the game had to force overtime. CJ Casino picked up the pace, earning 14 points. And with only 0.5 seconds on the clock, JD Cagulangan successfully shot a 3-pointer, further taking UP to the 72-69 victory.
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Photo: Twitter / @upmbt
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Good wishes and celebrations
That evening, UP started a bonfire signifying their iconic victory while proud Maroons gathered around the fire before singing UP Naming Mahal with tears in their eyes.
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Many expressed their support for the team including UP alumnae and journalist Gretchen Fullido who joined the bonfire. On Instagram, she posted photos with the basketball players and the trophy as well. She wrote, "These boys made history! The entire UP community is rejoicing! Thank you for giving us this spectacular win after 36 years!"
UP alumnus Atom Araullo also took to Twitter to congratulate his alma mater. "Congratulations @upmbt! Maraming salamat, Ateneo! What a game. An instant classic," wrote the GMA News host.
Gretchen Fullido at the bonfire celebration with the team. (Photo: Instagram / @gretsfullido)
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Even AdMU alumni recognised this historic win including Gretchen Ho, who was watching the game courtside and congratulated UP through Instagram.
AdMU alumnus Januario Jesus "JJ" Atencio III, who's become UP's sports patron and has helped send the team abroad, never gave up the team. "You can’t build a champion team overnight. But you have to like the progression they made in the four years leading to this year’s first place. I’m just happy and privileged to be a part of this history," Atencio told Inquirer. "The amount of school spirit the UP men’s basketball team was able to foster is priceless and has changed the community forever. Beyond winning a championship, this is a legacy for generations to come."
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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
