UP takes down Ateneo for historic first title since 1986

The UP Fighting Maroons just made history!

The University of the Philippines ended UAAP Season 84 with an overtime win against Ateneo de Manila University, 72-69, in Game 3 of the men's basketball finals on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Diliman-based squad etched their names in UP's history as they claimed their third overall title in the league and the first since 1986. UP also spoiled Ateneo's shot for another four-peat.

The game needed five more minutes to determine the champion as a CJ Cansino triple ended regulation at 59-all.

Tied again at 69 with less than 40 seconds left, JD Cagulangan drilled the final triple which ended the 36-year title drought.

Malick Diouf, who was named as Most Valuable Player of the finals series, listed 17 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, while CJ Cansino added 14 points. Cagulangan tallied 13 markers in the win.

SJ Belangel's 27-point output and Ange Kouame's double-double performance of 12 points and 14 rebounds were spoiled in the Ateneo loss.

UP was the only team to defeat Ateneo in the elimination round which prevented a stepladder Final Four. The Fighting Maroons did not have it easy in the playoffs as De La Salle University forced a do-or-die before UP booked a finals slot.

This is also a sweet victory as this is coach Goldwin Monteverde's first title in the seniors division.

—MGP, GMA News