The UAAP wrapped up another thrilling season of basketball with an unforgettable men’s basketball finals showdown between the UP Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle Green Archers. On December 15, fans were treated to a high-energy, action-packed game at the Araneta Coliseum, where both teams displayed incredible skill and determination.
In the end, it was the UP Fighting Maroons who triumphed, dethroning the reigning champions to reclaim the trophy and bring it back to Diliman.
PUMA Hoops Squad Stars Shine in Araneta
The intense UAAP men’s basketball season reached its climax with a thrilling best-of-three finals series between two powerhouse teams: the defending champions, De La Salle University, and the redemption-seeking UP Fighting Maroons. In a dramatic 66-62 victory, UP reclaimed the title, ending a two-year championship drought and securing their fourth basketball title in UAAP history.
Quentin Millora-Brown, the towering UP big man and PUMA Hoops Squad Star, made an unforgettable impact in his final season. He played a pivotal role in clinching the championship, scoring two crucial free throws in the final moments of the game. Millora-Brown delivered an outstanding double-double performance in the series, contributing both points and rebounds when his team needed him most. His clutch plays throughout the finals earned him the nickname “To the Res-Q.” With 14 points, Millora-Brown was named Player of the Game in both Game 1 and Game 2 of the UAAP Finals.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Millora-Brown credited his decision to join UP and ultimately win the championship to the memory of his late grandfather.
In addition to his impressive court skills, Millora-Brown also turned heads off the court with his choice of footwear during the finals. He wore the latest in LaMelo Ball’s collection, the PUMA MB.04s in the ‘Scooby-Doo’ colorway. Inspired by the iconic Mystery Machine van, the shoe featured vibrant hues of blue, green, and orange, with unique Scooby-Doo graphics on the heels. The PUMA MB.04 is designed to integrate Melo Ball’s personal style, with alien tentacles wrapping around the shoe, complete with his signature sayings. Beyond its eye-catching look, the shoe incorporates advanced PUMA performance technology, including a double-layered mesh upper, NITROFOAM™ cushioning, and PUMAGRIP for enhanced court traction.
In the finals, DLSU Green Archers’ one-and-done recruit Lian Ramiro, also a member of the PUMA Hoops Squad, played a crucial role in the battle to defend the trophy for Taft. With the game tied at 60-60, Ramiro broke the deadlock at the 1:34 mark, putting DLSU ahead and sparking a surge of hope for the Green Archers. However, their lead was short-lived, as the UP Fighting Maroons answered back with a swift three-pointer, shifting the momentum in their favor.
Earlier in the season, UP Fighting Maroon sophomore and PUMA Hoops Squad member Chicco Briones made waves both with his performance on the court and his standout style. He was seen rocking the PUMA HOOPS X CHEETOS Scoot Zeros, a shoe inspired by the iconic snack. The design featured fiery flames and black spots reminiscent of Chester Cheetah, the Cheetos mascot. The shoe also boasts performance-enhancing features, including a jaw-like rubber wrap on the outsole, a high-rebound PROFOAM EVA midsole, and an anti-slip traction pattern. Scoot Henderson’s branding logo is proudly displayed on the tongue.
Both the UAAP stars and PUMA Hoops Squad members proved they are a force to be reckoned with, dominating not only on the court but in the fashion game as well. With such remarkable athletes leading their teams, it’s clear that these young stars are only getting started. As the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball draws to a close, PUMA Hoops Squad stars are focused on recovery before gearing up for what promises to be an intense UAAP Season 88.
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