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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider UAAP Thrilla at Araneta: Maroons, Archers go for all the marbles

UAAP Thrilla at Araneta: Maroons, Archers go for all the marbles

Published Dec 16, 2025 02:31 pm

At A Glance

  • The sudden death in UAAP Season 88 is set at 3:30 p.m. but expect a long line of eager fans before midday in hopes of eyewitnesses to the history that will unfold before their eyes especially for the followers of the "Maroon 5" and La Salle's Jacob Cortez.
La Salle's Jacob Cortez seeks to replicate what his father Mike had achieved more than two decades ago. (UAAP Media)
La Salle's Jacob Cortez seeks to replicate what his father Mike had achieved more than two decades ago. (UAAP Media)
For sure, there will be no letup in terms of action, drama and even secondary storylines as reigning champion University of the Philippines and La Salle cap their own trilogy in chase for the biggest prize – the UAAP crown.
Being the defending champions, the Fighting Maroons would like to break the trend and make the UP community mightily proud once again as they seek to become the latest member of back-to-back champions of the league.
With that scenario plus the fact that it is the final game of the best-of-three title series, another storyline is fast shaping up to become part of the history of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The sudden death in UAAP Season 88 is set at 3:30 p.m. but expect a long line of eager fans before midday in hopes of eyewitnesses to the history that will unfold before their eyes especially for the followers of the “Maroon 5” and La Salle’s Jacob Cortez.
Out to give themselves a fitting send-off, Gerry Abadinao, Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, Janjan Felicilda, and Terrence Fortea vowed to pour it all for what could be the defining moments of their collegiate careers.
Abadiano will certainly go into the game fully motivated following his heroics in UP’s 66-63 win in Game 2 that forced a do-or-die.
Actually, this will mark the fourth time the “Maroon Five” will be playing in a rubber match since their maiden finals appearance in 2022 and Abadiano is very willing to help his teammates deal with pressure that comes with it.
“Kailangan ma-share ko sa kanila kung ano ba talaga ‘yong Game 3, do-or-die game, sabi nga ni coach Chris, maraming bata ‘yong pinapangarap na makalaro sa ganitong game,” said Abadiano. “We’re blessed and thankful sa ganitong mga opportunity.”
“In Game 3, I’m sure everything will sum up to those plays and moments. I think what’s important is, regardless of the results of the game, ay masasabi nilang binigay nila ang lahat,” said UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
Apart from the “Maroon 5,” coach Goldwin Monteverde can always count on Francis Nnoruka, Noy Remogat and Jacob Bayla.
Bayla was UP’s defensive lynchpin once again, shadowing the cat-quick Cortez each time he touches the ball and was successful in holding the La Salle top gun to a 6-of-15 shooting from the field.
Bayla was the very same player that made life miserable for La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao is last year’s record-breaking finale.
Moving on from their Game 2 defeat, Cortez and company are looking to rediscover the magic that enabled the Archers to beat the Maroons in their first three games, including a 74-70 win in Game 1.
Aside from Cortez, Mike Phillips needs to play his heart out if he really aims to finish his collegiate career as a champion. He and Luis Pablo are manning the interior with JC Macalalag, EJ Gollena, Doy Dungo, and Earl Abadam providing the support.
“We might have had those veterans, but we're still young as far as being in the finals is concerned,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson who eyes his second title with the Taft-based squad. “It's something to look forward to… going into a Game 3 and just making sure that we're going to learn a lot from it, and whatever happens, we're just going to give our best.”
Offensive contributions from Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan are also crucial for La Salle, especially for the latter who tries to regain his shooting form after being scoreless in Game 2.
"I'm super excited to have a do-or-die game against one of the best teams [here in UAAP], and I'm up for that challenge. I want to give it all for La Salle," said Cortez.

Related Tags

UP Fighting Maroons La Salle Green Archers UAAP Season 88
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