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Everyone had something to say about Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball finals between DLSU and UP — even their arch-rivals.
The UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball finals series was definitely one for the books. After coming from a 30-point loss in Game 1, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers maintained their strength, composure, and unity as a team to come back big — with a 22-point victory in Game 2 to force a championship-decider, and a nail-biting win in Game 3 to win their first UAAP men’s basketball title in seven years.
The Archers are back on top.
It was a nail-biter of a series that no one could keep their eyes off of. Rival teams, students from other schools, and die-hard basketball fans all had to witness this. And anyone who was there in the flesh, in Araneta Coliseum on a Wednesday night, would surely tell you that taking a day off from work and braving the Metro Manila traffic was well worth it.
But no matter where the thousands of fans were watching from, all of their reactions were priceless. Here are just some posts we saw on social media that capture their passion, as well as the weight of DLSU’s incredible championship win.
(Even the Archers’ longtime rivals had something to say about the win).
How social media reacted:
Tonight, the Church of the Gesù and Areté are lit up in green. Congratulations to the De La Salle University Green Archers! Animo! pic.twitter.com/evfGiimSKP
— Ateneo de Manila University (@ateneodemanilau) December 6, 2023
What a turnaround from Game 1 – the biggest loss in UAAP Finals history. An unbelievable story of believing in themselves, in each other and in their dream. A great season for Archers everywhere. De La Salle is a university of basketball champions again. Congratulations, DLSU!!
— Nikko Ramos (@NikkoRMS) December 6, 2023
Evan Nelle returned to DLSU with the mission of leading the Green Archers back to championship glory.
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) December 6, 2023
He's been criticized. He's made mistakes. But he never gave up.
Here he stands – a UAAP champion forever. A La Salle icon. Nothing can ever take that away from him. pic.twitter.com/a3IcK7lqxH
Legit and worthy champions.
— MajorCrush (@CrushMajor) December 6, 2023
Zero issues from the preseason until the end.
Did not hurt opponents.
Did not taunt the opponent's crowd.
Classy crowd that did not remove their shoes inside the venue. 😁
Congrats DLSU!
Kevin Quiambao is the best pure Filipino collegiate player I've seen play in the UAAP
— Sinclair (@joshua6sinclair) December 6, 2023
I was on the Pilipinas Live PBA fanstream during the UAAP Finals. You bet I had more than one eye on La Salle winning tonight 😂
— Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) December 6, 2023
Animo La Salle! 💚🏹💚🏹 pic.twitter.com/drgKlJwe5n
Kiefer, Quiambao, Romeo, Arwind, if its UAAP local then Parks is in this list https://t.co/XsS7mjfgfr
— Mao Santos (@maoford) December 7, 2023
After the final buzzer, saw Kap CJ thanking the coaches, comforting Aldous and teammates. After all that, he started crying prolly realized he just played his last UAAP game.
— paul deblowa (@deblowa) December 6, 2023
Salamat CJ for playing your heart out for UP and helping us win that elusive chip in S84. 🫡 #UPFight pic.twitter.com/0hVhuvEj3J
Congrats DLSU except for Joaqui Manuel 😡 https://t.co/MYaUbqiWqb
— Noreen Capili (@noringai) December 6, 2023
In a vacuum, sports don’t mean a thing. It’s only a game.
— Ryan Alba (@_alba__) December 6, 2023
Still, we care. Still, it brings us together and we are united by passion.
Today, we cared and lost and cried. These are the consequences of caring and we bear the burden to ensure we bounce back. #UPFight
This is definitely our favorite De La Salle men’s basketball championship! 🤭💚
— Team Ateneo (@TeamAteneOBF) December 6, 2023
You sir have nothing to be ashamed of. Injuries after injuries, a team deciding to kick you out after speaking your truth, Finals appearances, two silvers and one gold. You led this team well.
— sasa saw svt and enha 🩷🧡 (@withlovesasa_) December 6, 2023
One of the greatest who ever did it in a UP uniform, Thank you @cjcansino 🤍 pic.twitter.com/BLGiUhQTAQ
In fairness, nakakamiss din pala mag champion ang DLSU. The UAAP is a better place when the Green Archers are a real threat. And not just in the preseason. pic.twitter.com/jjkr52uQWQ
— Polo Bustamante (@polo_bustamante) December 6, 2023
Crazy thing about DLSU's championship run is they did it without an FSA playing major rotation minutes. That's going to change next season. Henry Agunanne is coming. His highlights (c/o his YouTube): pic.twitter.com/LLRq4yvH6Y
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) December 6, 2023
I honestly didn’t think DLSU had a chance in the Finals, wow was I wrong. Topex has been phenomenal all season, and he’s got his team playing beyond expectations. 2mins to go, 3pt game.
— Jinno Rufino (@JinnoRufino) December 6, 2023
UP CROWD, YOU ARE STILL THE SIXTH MAN OF THE SEASON 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
— UP Fight Club (@upmaroonclub) December 6, 2023
Thank you for all the love you’ve shown the boys ❤️#UPFight✊🏼 #FiredUP🔥 #UAAPSeason86 pic.twitter.com/NWhK6ZV0cC
Coach Topex, the driving force behind the new era of the DLSU Green Archers. With thesame roster, his coaching prowess has transformed them into a championship caliber squad. A testament to his dedication & brilliance,he has not only led the team but molded them into champions.💚 pic.twitter.com/4Vb0OiCm8Z
— DLSU Animo Defender 💚 (@DefenderDlsu) December 6, 2023
this has been the loudest dlsu alma mater hymn i have ever heard 🥹 pic.twitter.com/sBXq3GtYDg
— drea 🧸 (@archernajaem) December 3, 2023
Thank you, Green Archers for living the Animo. We are proud of you!
— DLSU (@DLSUManila) December 6, 2023
The St. La Salle Hall is bathed in green and white lights in support of the DLSU men's basketball team for winning the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball finals.
Animo La Salle! pic.twitter.com/ud9ZHL88XK
People won’t stop talking about the DLSU Green Archers’ historic UAAP victory anytime soon. And we are so here for it.
Banner image from UAAP Media.
Related Stories:
Champions Once Again: DLSU Overcomes UP To Reclaim UAAP Men’s Basketball Crown
Ben Phillips On The Brotherhood Fueling The Green Archers
The Top Players Of The UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament