There will be no unity, at least on the basketball court, when the UP Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle Green Archers face off in the best-of-three finals to determine who will take home the crown in UAAP Season 86, which is not as valuable as mythical hidden gold bars.
It’s the first time that maroon and green will be the thematic colors of the ultimate round. But it’s also only fitting, as the Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers finished as the top two seeds in the elimination round. They dominated the competition in landslide fashion and looked very much like legit leaders. Unlike some people we know.
For sure, there will be a Bagong UAAP since the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles were dethroned by UP in the Final Four, earning more bragging rights in the mean streets of UP Town Center.
That’s why here we are—hyping up UP versus La Salle. But there will be no empty promises, hackneyed statements, and historical distortions here. Because we already have enough of that. Just remember: Basta’t tayo’y magkasama, laging mayroong umagang kay ganda.
Zero confidential funds were also used in this incredibly worthless, most pointless, and super nonsensical UAAP finals mega preview with college diploma.
ELIMINATION ROUND RECAP
First round meeting: UP def. La Salle, 67-64
Why UP won: The team scored more points.
Second round meeting: La Salle def. UP, 88-79
Why La Salle won: The team scored more points.
ARE THE FOLLOWING THINGS CRITICAL FOR THE FIGHTING MAROONS IN THE FINALS? NO. ARE WE STILL PUTTING THEM HERE? YES.
Pump-up song: “Babalik ka rin” - Gary Valenciano
This seems self-explanatory based on the title. The Fighting Maroons relinquished the title to the Blue Eagles last season. Of course, they want it back. And based on the way they have fought this season, the longing for what was once theirs has been palpable.
Besides, nothing pumps you up better for a high-stakes basketball game than Gary V.’s cherubic voice. Yes, we know that he’s from La Salle. Pero uso naman ‘yung changing loyalties these days.
Why UP will win: Sabi sa pangalan ni coach Goldwin Monteverde.
Key unimportant stat for UP: Seven Gagate is only one player.
X-factor: P30 na pancit canton sa campus.
Fool-proof game plan: Basta ibigay lang 'yung best nila.
Not hot take: Dapat i-retire ng UP ‘yung jersey number ni Mark Juruena.
First-ever Instagram post of Malick Diouf just because:
Iconic quote from former UP player for pep talk: “I just wanna ask Blythe, can you be my girlfriend?” - Rivero, Ricci, 2022
Top public official who might give support: President Bongbong Marcos Jr.
Because his late father is from UP. His sister also claimed that she graduated cum laude from UP Law. Yeah, and CJ Cansino loves oily food.
Appropriate line from esteemed alumnus Jessica Soho if UP loses:
ARE THE FOLLOWING THINGS CRITICAL FOR THE GREEN ARCHERS IN THE FINALS? NO. ARE WE STILL PUTTING THEM HERE? YES.
Pump-up song: “Green, Green Grass of Home” - Tom Jones
Again, this is pretty self-explanatory. Because just like Tom Jones, coach Topex Robinson’s name also starts with the letters t and o.
Just imagine Kevin Quiambao’s game face in slow motion after making a big dunk, with Jones, in his familiar full-throated voice, bellowing: “Hair of gold and lips like cherries / It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.”
Why La Salle will win: Evan Nelle isn't scared.
Key unimportant stat: The three Phillips brothers comprise 18.75% of the Green Archers’ 16-man roster.
X-factor: Tenashous, wait, tenaciousse, teka, um, tennaxous, ah basta, good defense!
Fool-proof game plan: Basta ibigay lang din 'yung best nila.
Not hot take: Former La Salle center Ferdinand is the best single-named athlete since Pele.
First-ever Instagram post of Mark Nonoy just because:
Wala, naka-private account.
Iconic quote from former La Salle player for pep talk: “PUWEDE BA MAMAYA NA? Ay, sorry ah, pero…*nag-pray*” - Rivero, Ricci, 2018
Top public official who might give support: Vice President Sara Duterte
Because her half-sister likes La Salle. She also likes green, which is usually associated with what they say is the root of all evil: Matcha.
Appropriate line from esteemed alumnus Edu Manzano if La Salle loses:
Will the Green Archers score more points? Or will the Fighting Maroons score more points?
The answer awaits. Just like rice at P20 per kilo.
Catch Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 finals this Wednesday live at 6 p.m. on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.