University of the Philippines refused to be dragged into an extended battle as it seeks to close out the championship series in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals clash with De La Salle on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons moved on cusp of reclaiming the UAAP title after pulling off the most lopsided Game 1 win in the Final Four era, 97-67. 

While there was no lack in effort and confidence from the Fighting Maroons side, the squad understands that closing out a series will be more difficult than striking first especially against an equally capable Green Archers on a better day. 

UP leaned on its defensive strength and forced turnovers to the frustration of the La Salle side. 

In the end, the Fighting Maroons converted those 18 Green Archers turnovers into a 24-point advantage en route to the 30-point winning margin. 

“It’s the finals. So we gotta really fight hard on the boards. They have big guys as well there. I think we were hungrier. We’re glad we got this one, we got to focus on the next one,” said Rookie of the Year Francis Lopez, who tallied a double-double outing of 15 points and 11 rebounds. 

Aside from the defensive standpoint, the Fighting Maroons’ bench came through and was equally reliable on the floor after scoring almost half of UP’s endgame points. 

“Wala akong masabi sa ginawa ng buong team in terms of working for the stops na gagawin namin. We’re really aware kung ano ang capability ng La Salle. Going into this, talagang gagawin namin lahat,” UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said. 

With a favorable fighting chance to redeem itself after a sorry Season 85 Game 3 loss against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, UP is looking for the short route back to the title. 

“Always concentrate on the present. Papanuorin ulit namin ‘yung game and assess what needs to be worked on. I’m sure that may mga lapses kami na dapat tuunan ng pansin on both ends,” said Monterverde. 

“When we go to a game, we don’t expect naman anything. It’s just that per possession naman tatrabahuhin namin. Each possession we will do our best to make stops and kung ano man dumating we will accept it. We’re just gonna make sure we give everything on the floor. ‘Yun lang importante sa amin.”