MANILA, Philippines—For the second time in three seasons, coach Goldwin Monteverde steered University of the Philippines to a UAAP title.

The Fighting Maroons on Sunday squeaked past La Salle not just to win the men’s basketball title, but also to avenge last year’s finals loss to the Green Archers led by two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao.

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“[I’m] very thankful, especially for the kids because from when we lost to the start of the season, they worked every day,” said Monteverde in Filipino after their 66-62 win over La Salle on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

READ: UAAP: JD Cagulangan leaves UP full of feats and gratitude

“Even during the course of the season and the ups and downs, they worked. I’m very proud of each and every one on our team. I’m also thankful for the coaching staff who didn’t stop. Without them, I wouldn’t have done what I needed to do.”

Just like last season, La Salle extended the title series to a deciding Game 3. This time, however, UP avoided another collapse thanks to graduating guard JD Cagulangan, Quentin Millora-Brown and Francis Lopez.

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UP coach Goldwin Monteverde during Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Cagulangan had 12 points and four assists in his final UAAP game and went on to take home the Finals MVP plum averaging 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks in the championship.

READ: UP outlasts La Salle to reclaim UAAP men’s basketball crown

Millora-Brown sank the title-sealing free throws and finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Lopez also notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Lopez, who caught flak after his endgame miscues in Game 2, redeemed himself by nailing a clutch 3-pointer down the stretch that helped hold off the Archers.

And as Monteverde put it, his title in 2022 with Cagulangan and company is just as sweet as their latest crown.

“Of course, we’re happy for both. In Season 84, we had different companies like Ricci (Rivero), CJ (Cansino). at that time. For this one, it’s theirs. We’re so happy.”