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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Vyn Randovan) |
The UAAP closed out yet another memorable season of basketball with the men’s basketball finals match against the UP Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle Green Archers. Last December 15, 2024, fans and sports enthusiasts alike saw riveting action and intense gameplay from both teams at the Araneta Coliseum. Both teams fought valiantly but in the end, the UP Fighting Maroons dethroned the reigning UAAP Men’s Basketball Champs to bring the trophy back to Diliman.
The fiery UAAP men’s basketball season came to a head with an intense best-of-three finals series between two powerhouse teams: the defending champions De La Salle University and the redemption-seeking UP Fighting Maroons. The State University reclaimed the title with a 66-62 win after two consecutive championship heartbreaks, marking their fourth basketball title in UAAP history. UP big-man and PUMA Hoops Squad Star Quentin Millora-Brown left an indelible mark in his only season as he scored two clutch free throws, clinching the title for the men in maroon. Millora-Brown put up an amazing performance, scoring double-double for points and rebounds. Throughout the finals series, Millora-Brown showed up in the most critical moments, keeping the State U’s championship dream alive and earning him the tagline “To the Res-Q”. With 14 points, he was the Player of the Game of Game 1 and 2 of the UAAP Finals. The 6-foot-10 player with nerves of steel claimed his decision to join UP, and ultimately win, was because of his late grandfather. Aside from his impressive ball-handling skills, Millora-Brown turned heads during the finals series as he was spotted rocking the latest in LaMelo Ball’s collection, the PUMA MB.04s in ‘Scooby-Doo’ on the hardcourt. The shoe’s design took inspiration from The Mystery Machine, capturing the blue, green, and orange of the iconic cartoon van. Unique Scooby-Doo graphics are also shown on the heels of the shoe.
The PUMA MB.04 retains Melo Ball’s touch, integrating his sayings into the alien tentacles seemingly engulfing the shoe. Aside from its groovy look, the shoe features impressive performance tech from PUMA including a supportive double-layered mesh upper and NITROFOAM™ cushioning and PUMAGRIP for enhanced on-court performance. During the finals, DLSU Green Archers’ one-and-done recruit Lian Ramiro, who is also part of the PUMA Hoops Squad, played a vital role in the fight to keep the trophy in Taft. He broke the 60-60 tie at the 1:34 mark of the game, putting DLSU in the lead and igniting hope for the guys in green. This was quickly dashed with a three-pointer from the UP Fighting Maroons. Earlier in the season, UP Fighting Maroon sophomore and PUMA Hoops Squad member Chicco Briones also made waves with his performance and his drip as he was seen wearing the PUMA HOOPS X CHEETOS Scoot Zeros. The shoe showed fiery flames inspired by the beloved snack along with black spots like Chester Cheetah’s, the Cheetos mascot. The shoe comes with jaw-like rubber wrapping on the outsole, a high-rebound PROFOAM EVA midsole, and an anti-slip traction pattern. Scoot Henderson’s branding logo is displayed on the shoe’s tongue.
The UAAP and PUMA Hoops Squad stars proved once again that they are a force to be reckoned with on and off the court. With remarkable athletes leading their teams in the latest UAAP season, there is no doubt that these young athletes will continue to shine. As the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball wraps, the remaining PUMA Hoops Squad stars look forward to recovering before gearing up for what is sure to be another intense tournament for UAAP Season 88. So if you want to channel your inner champion, then level up your game and cop your game drip from PUMA. Check out the similar gear worn by the PUMA Hoops Squad members on PUMA.com and PUMA stores nationwide. See how the PUMA Hoops Squad are repping PUMA on and off the court and stay updated on the latest news and releases by following PUMA PH’s Instagram page.
