Exorcising the ghost of the last two seasons proved to be the major motivation of the University of the Philippines (UP) Maroons in ascending the throne of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball.

In a record-breaking crowd on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Maroons held their composure in the crunch and pulled off a pulsating 66-62 victory over the De La Salle Green Archers to reclaim the crown they relinquished over the last two years.

JD Cagulangan was familiar with the anguish it felt to have the title slip from their grasp, and used those stinging setbacks to finally accomplish their main goal.

“Sabi ko lang sa kanila, wag nating kalimutan yung natalo tayo ng dalawang season, pero alalahanin natin yung mga pagkakamali natin,” said the 5-foot-9 all-around guard.

It was a fitting swan song for Cagulangan, who not only steered the Maroons back to the championships but also copped the Finals Most Valuable Player award.

Indeed, the Maroons drew strength from their past mistakes as Francis Lopez redeemed himself from a lackluster performance late in Game 2 by delivering 12 points in the Game 3 rubber.

“I wanna thank my teammates and coaches for still believing in me after the Game 2 loss. It was a huge loss, especially for me, I let the team down in that game,” said Lopez, referring to the crucial baskets he missed in Game 2 that could have altered the outcome of that match.

The Maroons claimed Game 1, 73-65, but lost Game 2 by a hairline, 76-75.

“That doesn’t stop me from working on my shot and on my confidence. I’m really happy, it’s a surreal feeling, this is my actually, my first time officially winning a championship in my entire life,” he added.

UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, meanwhile, lauded the efforts of his wards right from the start of the season.

“Sakin, very thankful ako, especially sa mga bata, from the start ng season up to now, natalo [kami] last year,” said Monteverde, who won his second title for the Maroons.

“Talagang araw-araw tinatrabaho nila, how they really work hard for it… I'm very proud of each and everyone sa team namin, pati narin sa buong coaching staff, kung wala sila ‘di ko rin magagawa ‘yong mga dapat kong gawin,” he added.