La Salle Green Archers storms back at the apex of collegiate basketball, bringing an end to a seven-year championship drought. The electrifying atmosphere at the Araneta Coliseum set the stage for a #UAAP Finals Game 3 that escalated to a thrilling climax. The clash between the Green Archers and the UP Fighting Maroons culminated in a heart-pounding 73-69 victory, with the Green Archers emerging as champions.
Green Archers’ Kevin Quiambao is living up to his season MVP billing with a stellar performance of 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Evan Nelle, a crucial presence for La Salle, contributed 12 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, providing valuable support in the team's journey to their 10th men's basketball crown.
In the closing minutes, the Green Archers' Quiambao and Nelle showed remarkable end-game poise with a pivotal 8-0 run. Quiambao atoned for some endgame hiccups by sinking four title-clinching free throws.
La Salle's resolute determination marked their triumphant journey, overcoming the adversity of a 0-1 series deficit to force the Fighting Maroons into a sudden-death scenario. The extraordinary resurgence unfolded after a humbling 97-67 defeat in Game 1, where the Green Archers showcased their resilience with an emphatic Game 2 comeback, securing a commanding 82-60 victory. Their victory not only ends La Salle's seven-year championship drought but also marks their 10th UAAP men's basketball crown in league history.
Significantly, the triumph marks a defining moment in the coaching journey of Topex Robinson, securing his inaugural major college title as he joins the ranks of DLSU coaches Aldin Ayo, Juno Sauler, and Franz Pumaren as one of the few who have clinched the league title in their first year at the helm of the squad.