Reyland Torres followed wherever Kevin Quiambao went throughout the UAAP Season 87 Finals. Where did that lead? A championship for the UP Fighting Maroons.
Reyland Torres had the unenviable task in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals: to defend back-to-back MVP Kevin Quiambao.
But Torres himself had no complaints. In fact, the UP Fighting Maroons forward took on the challenge head-on, leading the charge to pester Quiambao throughout the Finals.
And while the DLSU superstar still had his moments in the Finals, most especially in Game 2 when he led the Green Archers to a sensational comeback win, Torres continued to give it his all as he helped UP bring home its fourth UAAP title, second in the last four seasons.
The UP forward limited KQ to just 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting from the field, along with four rebounds in the decisive Game 3.
Amid their championship celebrations after Game 3, Torres couldn’t help but sit on the bench and let out his emotions.
But none of that mattered as he finally helped bring the title home to Diliman.
“Sobrang nararamdaman ko pa rin ‘yung cramps ko kasi sobrang binigay ko talaga lahat, pero hindi ako umabot sa dulo. Alam mo ‘yun, ‘yung sobrang saya, kahit gaanong sakit, natatakpan ng saya sobra,” Torres told One Sports.
Torres had nothing but praise for the now KBL-bound Quiambao, who was his former high school teammate back at National University-Nazareth School.
“Kevin is Kevin. Grabe ‘yung respeto ko kay Kevin. MVP ‘yun. Hindi ‘yung mag-MVP kung walang rason. Kay Kevin hands down,” said Torres.
[ALSO READ: From Sampaloc to Diliman: Goldwin Monteverde’s Day 1s bring home championship to UP]
Of course, Torres was also at the center of drama during the Finals after being handed out two unsportsmanlike fouls in Game 2.
Initially ruled out for Game 3, the UAAP spared Torres from suspension, allowing him to continue his fight for the title.
[ALSO READ: Why UP’s Reyland Torres won’t be suspended for Game 3 vs La Salle, and how this isn’t something new]
And while many fans questioned the move, Torres was extra motivated by it—and now he can call himself a champion.
“Ginawa ko lang motivation tapos in-enjoy ko lang ‘yung game tas eto na ‘yung bawi ko, champion ako,” said Torres.