The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons drew first blood against the De La Salle University Green Archers, winning Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals with a score of 73-65.
The game, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 8, 2024, was a thrilling encounter between two of the league's most storied programs. The Fighting Maroons, led by head coach Goldwin Monteverde, displayed a strong defensive effort and timely offensive plays to secure the victory.
The Green Archers, defending champions, struggled to find their rhythm, especially in the second half. Despite a valiant effort from their star players, they were unable to overcome the Fighting Maroons' momentum.
A key factor in UP's victory was the outstanding performance of Quentin Millora-Brown. The sophomore forward finished with a game-high 17 points, including several crucial baskets in the fourth quarter.
The Fighting Maroons' defensive intensity was also impressive, forcing turnovers and limiting the Green Archers' scoring opportunities.
With the win, UP has gained a significant advantage in the best-of-three series. However, the Green Archers are not out of the fight yet. They will need to regroup and elevate their performance in Game 2 to stay alive in the series.
Game 2 is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at the same venue. A win for UP would clinch the championship title, while a win for La Salle would force a decisive Game 3.
The UAAP Season 87 finals have been filled with excitement and drama, and fans can expect more of the same in the upcoming games.
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