UP’s Fighting Maroons are champs in basketball tourney

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons came from behind to prevail over De La Salle University and capture the championship in this year’s 80th Araw ng Dabaw Commercial Basketball Tournament held last March 26.

The Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym) was packed from the floor to the rafters, prompting police to refuse further entry to waiting crowds. It was a see-saw game that saw rugged play, sticky defenses, sprawling turn-overs, heroic fast-breaks, controversial calls, altercations, technical fouls, and screaming audiences.

The Maroons trailed the Archers in the first period 29-21 before Maroon Paul Desiderio exploded with a cluster of three-point shots that sparked the momentum for UP to overtake DLSU 42-44 by the end of half-time. UP led 63-77 at the end of the 3rd period and scrambled for a hard-fought final score of 79-87.

Students, alumni, and fans crowded the awarding of the trophies presided by City Sports head Michael Aportadera where Desiderio was declared Most Valuable Player and UP Coach Bo Perasol was awarded Best Coach. A victory dinner was hosted by the UP Alumni Association for the champions. (UP Mindanao)