The La Salle Green Archers put up a tough stand and weathered a big struggle against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 73-69, on Wednesday night to claim their 10th crown in the 86th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
A record crowd of 25,192 watched the Green Archers as they ended a seven-year wait, after winning it back in 2016.
The Green Archers denied the Fighting Maroons four of five chances to score in the last 30 seconds as they prevented UP from a fourth crown since they last won it in 2021.
Since joining the league in 1986, the Green Archers won the championships in 1989, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2013, and 2016.
This time, season MVP Kevin Quiambao played true to his worth, by eclipsing his averages of 16.71 points, 10.86 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.93 steals.
The 6’6” Quiambao struck with 24 points, nine boards, four assists and two steals for the Green Archers.
For three minutes, the Green Archers fought hard to protect a 70-67 lead they got from Quiambao’s two freebies in the final 4:10.
Malick Diouf led the Fighting Maroons with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
