University of the Philippines' Quentin Millora-Brown. UAAP MediaMANILA, Philippines – It would mean a lot for the University of the Philippines (UP), especially for one-and-done ace Quentin Millora-Brown, if they could finish the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball Finals against De La Salle University "in the right way."
In case they could end the bridesmaid finishes of UP, there's one person he would dedicate it to—his late grandfather who passed away recently.
Dr. Angel Millora, an alumnus of UP, was Quentin's inspiration to join State U; and he could not think of a better person to dedicate his performance in the championship series.
Fueled by his hunger for the title, Millora-Brown spearheaded UP to a Game 1 win over La Salle, 73-65, on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
He dropped a near double-double of 17 points on 7-of-11 clip and nine rebounds, had three assists, two steals and a block.
READ: UAAP Finals: UP weathers early Quiambao onslaught, stuns La Salle for 1-0 lead
"You know, it means so much to me. UP is the place that my grandfather went to school, it’s the place that… I was so glad to be able to make those memories, things that he's seen, things that he's done, and just the pride that I feel when I wear the jersey, just be able to win the next game and finish out the season in the right way, it would be amazing," Millora-Brown said.
Stopping his track of doing that are the De La Salle Green Archers, led by Gilas Pilipinas forward Kevin Quiambao, who are seeking to retain the UAAP crown in Taft.
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And the 6-foot-10 Maroon is acknowledging that closing out the series would be a "tough road."
"But we know that it's a tough road. We have a lot to do here as we prepare for the second game because La Salle’s not gonna back down," he expressed.
There's one thing that would be in the Fighting Maroons' minds as they enter Game 2, according to Millora-Brown—leveling up their game to stop Quiambao and the rest of the top-seeded Archers.
"They’re gonna come out with more fight next game. We have to step up to that level," the UP standout said.
"All the work we’ve put in in the first two rounds and the Final Four, it’s leading up to this moment. So, this is the biggest stage for us as a team, as individuals, and just giving everything we have."
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