The UP Fighting Maroons aim to keep up with De La Salle Green Archers’ adjustments, as the Diliman squad pursues its first UAAP title since 2022.
The UP Fighting Maroons are bracing for a game of adjustments as they head into Game Two of the UAAP Season 87 Finals against the DLSU Green Archers, aiming to close out the series in two games.
After two failed attempts in just as many seasons to take the championship after winning Game One, UP will look to play at pace with their opponents this time around.
In Game One, UP forced La Salle’s hand by shutting down presumptive MVP Kevin Quiambao in the second half, limiting him to just one point and no field goals after an 18-point first half.
Now that La Salle has had time to look at the tape and shift its play in response to UP’s defense, UP will need to move in the same direction to stay ahead.
[RELATED: UP Fighting Maroons repulse La Salle to take Game 1 of UAAP Season 87 Finals]
“I mean, really just being ready to make adjustments on the fly is the biggest piece to this. They’re gonna make their adjustments after this game and we need to be ready to make our adjustments to what they do,” said UP big man Quentin Millora-Brown.
Here’s a look at the schedule of UP’s latest foray against the DLSU Green Archers.
December 11, 2024 (Wednesday) - Mall of Asia Arena
UP vs La Salle (Finals Game 2) - 5:30 p.m.
After banishing a losing streak in Araneta, the UP Fighting Maroons will aim to continue their winning ways at the Mall of Asia Arena as Game Two rolls around in the Pasay City venue.
The same arena where they won their first championship in 36 years back in UAAP Season 84, UP looks to end two seasons of heartbreak with a sweep against the defending champions La Salle.
But after getting checked in Game One, La Salle is expected to make the proper adjustments to give the Fighting Maroons a tougher fight this time around.
No matter what the result is, one thing is for sure, it’ll be just as competitive — if not more — than the finals opener.
Can the Fighting Maroons break their slump and finally get back into the UAAP summit? Or will be DLSU Green Archers give themselves breathing room and force the winner-take-all?
December 15, 2024 (Sunday) - Smart Araneta Coliseum
UP vs La Salle (Finals Game 3) - 5:30 p.m.*If necessary.