UP dethrones Ateneo’s dynasty, ends 36-year title drought

Diouf and Tamayo cheers as they claim their victory over Ateneo

Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Bureau

The University of the Philippines clinched their first championship in 36 years and clutched a thrilling win over the three-time defending champion Ateneo de Manila University with 72-69 in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball best-of-three finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 13.

The Fighting Maroons claimed its historic victory during overtime peat after JD Cagulangan plunged a 3-pointer to break the 69-all tie with 0.5 seconds left in the game.

CJ Cansino, who forced overtime with a cold-blooded triple clutch— unwrapped 14 points at the back of four triples.

UP dominated the first half, ending the first quarter, 17-11, and the second quarter, 31-27.

Meanwhile, Ateneo's third-quarter rally gave it a one-point edge, 46-47, going into the identical tally in the fourth quarter.

The legendary Maroons community applauded and cheered with pride, singing the school anthem, the UP Naming Mahal, and chanting "U-P-Fight" and "U-nibersidad ng Pilipinas".

“Maraming ups and downs nangyari on both ends, but we just kept reminding each other not to give up,” said UP head coach Goldwyn Monteverde.

[English Translation: There were a lot of ups and downs that happened on both ends, but we just kept reminding each other not to give up.]

In 1896, the Fighting Maroons grabbed their championship crown against the University of the East Warriors by 98-89, held at the ULTRA (now Philippine Sports Arena) in Pasig City.