HOSTILITIES aside, the University of the Philippines and La Salle crossed paths and shook hands in the immediate aftermath of a war-like Game 2 that saw the Green Archers live to fight another day.
In the midst of it all, Kevin Quiambao kept standing firm on his feet even if it seemed all hope was lost in the end.
Once the final buzzer sounded, he went down in tears surrounded by his likewise emotional teammates — all of whom were yet to fathom what had been a blur of a battle they ultimately ruled.
READ: KQ wills La Salle past UP in Game 2 as UAAP finals goes to Game 3
It was nothing short of a miracle, but in the end, La Salle earned one last shot to keep the crown in Taft Ave.
12 seconds of uncertainty
Not long before that, however, with a chance to stretch their lead to three, Quiambao missed both free throws and gave the Fighting Maroons one more try to reclaim the crown.
State U scrambled to keep hold of a shaky final possession which ended with captain Gerry Abadiano firing one last trey to win the title the same way they did back in Season 84.
Only this time, UP missed.
In the end, green-and-white tears of joy kept flowing as the Archers sang their alma mater hymn. But the reality of it all remains: job’s not done.
On Sunday, tears will flow again and emotions will run at their highest all series long, as UP and La Salle share the championship stage one last time this season.
One will be crowned a champion at the Big Dome. The other? Left to rue what could’ve been.
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