Reigning MVP Malick Diouf is looking forward to give University of the Philippines a dream championship farewell. 

The graduating big man is gearing up for his last few games in the Fighting Maroons’ third straight finals appearance in the UAAP following a 57-46 drubbing of defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles in their semifinals clash – all of which Diouf was a part of. 

With only one of the finalists from the past two seasons making it back to the championship, UP set up a finals duel with the De La Salle Green Archers for the first time in the league’s history. 

The 6-foot-11 Senegalese wants to accomplish one more thing before he finally leaves Diliman. 

“For me, I’ll just say it was a team effort. Not only me, but everybody was working hard. And we prepared well for Ateneo. I’m really happy right now for the win and us going to the finals,” Diouf said. 

“This is my last playing year. It’s really special for me. And I need to finish with something good. We have a common goal, so finishing with the trophy will be good for me. And I think we can do it,” he added. 

With UP’s defense finally picking up at the right place and at the right time, Diouf has got a few more lifting to do against the Kevin Quiambao-led La Salle in their best-of-three championship series beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 29. 

While the Fighting Maroons finished as the top seed in the elimination round, the Green Archers caught up and are riding on a nine-game winning streak heading into their finals showdown.