The UP coach owes his 2nd title to the hard work of his players Magic Post

UP Fighting Maroons win UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball championship.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — For the second time in three seasons, coach Goldwin Monteverde led the University of the Philippines to a UAAP title.

On Sunday, the Fighting Maroons defeated La Salle to not only win the men’s basketball title, but also to avenge last year’s loss in the finals to the Green Archers led by two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao.

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“(I’m) very grateful, especially to the kids, because from our loss until the start of the season, they worked every day,” Monteverde said in Filipino after their 66-62 win over La Salle on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

READ: UAAP: JD Cagulangan leaves UP full of achievements and gratitude

“Even during the season and the ups and downs, they worked. I am very proud of each member of our team. I am also grateful to the technical staff who did not stop. Without them, I wouldn’t have done what I needed to do.

Just like last season, La Salle extended the title streak to a decisive third game. This time, however, UP avoided another collapse thanks to graduate guard JD Cagulangan, Quentin Millora-Brown and Francis Lopez.

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UP coach Goldwin Monteverde during game three of the UAAP Season 87 Finals. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Cagulangan had 12 points and four assists in his final UAAP game and won the Finals MVP by averaging 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks in the championship.

READ: UP survives La Salle to reclaim UAAP men’s basketball crown

Millora-Brown hit the title-sealing free throws and finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Lopez also notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Lopez, who was criticized after his late-game mistakes in Game 2, redeemed himself by scoring a clutch 3-pointer down the stretch that helped hold off the Archers.

And as Monteverde says, his 2022 title with Cagulangan and company is just as sweet as their last crown.

“Of course we are happy for both of them. In season 84 we had different companies like Ricci (Rivero), CJ (Cansino). at that time. For this one, it’s theirs. We are so happy.