History evidences the rise of the University of the Philippines (UP), continuing its University Athletics Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) dominance in recent years as a top-tier basketball program.
For the first time in the Final Four era, the Fighting Maroons claimed the first position in the UAAP Season 86 standings with a 12-2 record through their 79-57 win over the National University Bulldogs last Sunday, November 19, 2023.
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Rookie-of-the-Year frontrunner Francis Lopez spearheaded the charge, tallying 13 points, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds in 18 minutes of play. Reigning Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf complemented his efforts with 11 markers, 8 boards, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, breezing through with a commanding 22-point victory.
Since introducing the Final Four structure in UAAP Season 56 (1993-94), Diliman lingered along its outskirts, constantly missing out on playoff contention. The 2000s-early 2010s saw UP struggle against the competition—recording three winless seasons (2007, 2010, 2013) with the majority under the .500 mark, before emerging as a title contender (and victor) come 2018 to the present.
Under a new mentor, the Fighting Maroons struck gold in UAAP Season 84 via a JD Cagulangan heave from beyond the arc to overthrow their Katipunan rivals, Ateneo de Manila University.
Coming up short against the Blue-and-White in UAAP Season 85, UP approaches the Final Four for the first time comfortably from the driver’s seat, eying a matchup with Adamson University or possibly another finals rematch against Ateneo in the semis.
