What you need to know about the UAAP Season 87 Final Four
Metro Manila, Philippines — The UAAP Season 87 Final Four cast is set, with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, and Adamson University Soaring Falcons vying for the men's basketball crown.
Expect hardcourt action to get more heated and emotions to run high as the four remaining squads collide on Nov. 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Here's a quick background of the Final Four teams:
Arrows up
The DLSU Green Archers will be entering the Final Four as the top seed after recording a 12-2 win-loss record in the elimination round.
After an early upset loss to the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, the Green Archers went on a nine-game winning streak then was stunned by the National University (NU) Bulldogs late in the second round.
Led by back-to-back Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao and Mythical Five member Mike Phillips, the Green Archers are favored to successfully defend their title and keep the trophy in Taft Avenue.
Constant contender
The UP Fighting Maroons have been a consistent presence in the Final Four, now marching to their sixth straight appearance in the postseason.
The Fighting Maroons' hot 6-0 start was overshadowed by their struggles against La Salle and NU, losing to both teams in the second round.
Just like the Green Archers, UP boasts a strong rotation which will be their key to another trip to the finals.
Veteran guard JD Cagulangan will be rallying the Fighting Maroons as he aims to give his alma mater another title in his exit.
Resurgence in España
There is a positive aura that radiates in the UST Growling Tigers’ lair this season as they ended a five-season semifinals drought.
The Growling Tigers finished in third place with a 7-7 record after the preliminaries.
UST will need to overcome the twice-to-beat disadvantage against the Fighting Maroons, which is composed of a core that has championship experience.
The Growling Tigers, though, have a history of beating the odds. In 2019, an underdog UST side stunned and defeated UP twice in their Final Four showdown to secure a finals spot versus the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
Forthsky Padrigao, a former UAAP champion with the Blue Eagles, has been the difference for UST as he facilitates their offense. The crafty guard turned out to be the missing piece in their rebuilding process.
Nic Cabanero, meanwhile, will be doing what he does best for the Growling Tigers: score.
Better late than never
It has been a rollercoaster ride for the Adamson Soaring Falcons this season, compiling a 6-8 record.
The Soaring Falcons had to claw their way back to the Final Four after a five-game losing skid. Adamson delivered when it mattered, beating Ateneo then UE in a knockout match to clinch the last Final Four berth.
The chance of the Soaring Falcons defeating top seed La Salle given that they need to be at their best twice and hope the Green Archers to struggle in all aspects.
Can Adamson pull off the upset?
Only Cedrick Manzano, Matthew Montebon, Joshua Yerro, Royce Mantua, AJ Fransman, and the rest of the crew from San Marcelino have the answer.
