By NIKOLE JAVIER
A new king is set to reign in UAAP Season 86 as the top-seeded University of the Philippines and the red-hot La Salle figure in what is brewing to be a historic, one of a kind Finals showdown.
Facing up against each other in the finals series for the first time in league history, the Green Archers and the Fighting Maroons are raring to draw first blood in the much-awaited Game 1 of the best-of-three title showdown at 6 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Both squads took the short route to the finals, with UP dethroning defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Green Archers dominating the National University Bulldogs in the Final Four.
La Salle is heading to its first finals appearance in six years riding on the crest of a nine-game surge including a blistering sweep of the second round of the eliminations to finish as the second seed.
Much of the reason behind La Salle’s resurgence this season was MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao, who is averaging double-double numbers. He is expected to carry the scoring cudgels for the Green Archers after making history and delivering rare two triple-doubles in the elimination round.
Graduating guards Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy along with big man Mike Phillips should also be a consistent force in their toe-to-toe battle against their UP counterparts.
Of course, none of that would also happen if not for the addition of head coach Topex Robinson who is looking to guide the Green Archers in taking the crown back to Taft for the first time since Season 79 and right on his maiden stint.
Standing on their way though are the formidable Fighting Maroons who are a picture of consistency so far in the league after marching back to the finals for a third-straight time under head coach Goldwyn Monteverde.
Reigning MVP Malick Diouf and CJ Cansino are equally eyeing to finish the collegiate ranks with a farewell championship title under their belts.
Rookie of the Year frontrunner Francis Lopez has also been peaking just at the right time on the defensive end to help the Fighting Maroons in potentially reclaiming their lost glory following a finals heartbreak last season at the hands of the Blue Eagles.
As much as the offensive talents that both squads boast, both the coaching staff of La Salle and UP are looking to highlight their defense in the much-anticipated matchup.
