La Salle totes a four-game win streak against UP dating back from the championship last UAAP season, but the Green Archers will throw that out the window in their finals rematch.
La Salle is heading to its UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals rematch with University of the Philippines with the confidence that they have the Fighting Maroons' number.
The Green Archers got two elims victories in their bag against UP, a team which they also beat last year in the championship stage to claim the crown atop their head which they aim to protect.
But for presumptive back-to-back MVP winner Kevin Quiambao, there is nothing else to think about except the games that they will be playing for all the marbles beginning Sunday, Dec. 8.
Kevin Quiambao and the rest of the La Salle Green Archers aim to draw first blood against the University of the Philippines when they meet at the start of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals on Sunday, Dec. 8. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Because when it’s for the trophy, nothing else really matters.
“I think, coming to this finals, right now, 0-0 ulit. No matter kung ano 'yung history ng naging games namin noong rounds one and two, magsisimula ulit sa panibago, eh,” said Quiambao.
"Kailangang mas focused kami, focused on the details sa lahat and come prepared.”
[WATCH: La Salle waltzes through Final Four clash with Adamson]
Unlike their championship win last year, the Green Archers are heading into this matchup as the favored team — being number one in the standings with their 12-2 slate.
But with UP boasting of a fourth straight finals appearance and with the stakes at their highest, Quiambao is expecting a dogfight.
[RELATED STORY: La Salle 'stays in the moment' to book return trip to the UAAP Finals]
“Finals 'to, eh. Kumbaga, ibibigay mo na ang lahat para sa school mo kasi tatlong game lang 'to o dalawa. Kung 'di mo pa ibigay 'yung best mo, baka may pagsisihan ka pa in the future,” said Quiambao.
“Be present lang na masaya kaming nandito kami sa finals pero 'di pa tapos ang trabaho namin at marami pa kaming kailangang trabahuin. Lahat kami excited,” he added.