By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons ruled the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament with a 66-62 escape over the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers in the do-or-die Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, December 15.

Negrense Reyland Torres, who was ejected in Game 2 due to two unsportsmanlike fouls, played a pivotal role for UP defensively in the winner-take-all game as he prevented DLSU star Kevin Quiambao from dominating the match.

Torres, a transferee from the National University Bulldogs, finished with two points, five rebounds and two steals in 16 minutes before exiting the match in the second half with an injury.

Francis Lopez, who was criticized for his miscues in the endgame of Game 2, was also pivotal in the endgame as he pulled up a three-pointer from the top of the key with less than a minute left for a 64-60 Fighting Maroons’ advantage.

The Green Archers managed to cut the deficit to 62-64 on a layup by Elaijah Gollena, but the Fighting Maroons widened the lead anew to 66-62 on two free throws by Quentin Millora-Brown.

Lopez finished with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds to go with six assists, one steal and a block as the Fighting Maroons finished the best-of-three championship series at 2-1.

Millora-Brown concluded his one-and-done collegiate career with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Cagulangan also ended his UAAP career with 12 markers.

From a 21-all score after the opening quarter, the Fighting Maroons created separation in the second period behind Cagulangan and Millora-Brown to take a 42-36 halftime lead.

The Fighting Maroons continued their run in the third quarter as they established the largest lead at 54-40 on a basket by Gerry Abadiano, but the Green Archers staged a huge fight back to tie the score at 56-all on a Kevin Quiambao triple.

Millora-Brown responded with an inside hit to give the Fighting Maroons a 58-56 lead. The Green Archers tied the count at 58-all on a Joshua David basket before UP regained the lead at 61-58 on a Cagulangan three-pointer.

Michael Phillips finished with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, but struggled heavily with his free throws (6-of-15), while Quiambao contributed 13 markers for the dethroned champions Green Archers./ASC, WDJ

UP 66 — Millora-Brown 14, Cagulangan 12, Lopez 12, Abadiano 9, Alarcon 7, Fortea 4, Stevens 4, Torres 2, Ududo 2, Felicilda 0, Bayla 0, Torculas 0.

DLSU 62 — M. Phillips 18, Quiambao 13, Macalalag 6, David 6, Agunnane 5, Ramiro 5, Austria 3, Rubico 2, Dungo 2, Gollena 2, Marasigan 0, Gonzales 0.

Quarterscores: 21-21, 42-36, 56-50, 66-62.