Sports & Competition
Fri, November 21, 2025
UP's Revenge: Fighting Maroons Upset La Salle in UAAP Showdown
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 21:35 GMT by SPIN- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Revenge‑Seeking UP Delivers a Bumpy Upset for La Salle in the UAAP Men’s Basketball Showdown
On a blistering November night in 2025, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons pulled off a dramatic 80‑73 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers—no, not the Growling Tigers—over the San Beda Red Lions. Wait: the headline in Spin Ph’s “Revenge‑seeking up out to cause more problems for La Salle” was a clever play on words that drew a laugh from the crowd as the real upset came from UP’s own “up‑out” drive to top off the season’s narrative. The game, played at the PhilSports Arena, had fans on the edge of their seats as the Fighting Maroons fought a 2‑point win in their last regular‑season contest, setting up a must‑win final showdown against the defending champions, La Salle Green Archers.
The Build‑Up: A Long‑Standing Rivalry Meets a New Generation
The article opens by reminding readers of the historical tension between UP and La Salle. UP, long considered the “underdog” in the UAAP, has struggled in the last decade, slipping out of the playoffs for the first time in twenty years in 2021. La Salle, on the other hand, has been a perennial powerhouse, clinching five titles since 2016. The 2025 season, however, was looking like a different story. UP’s fresh‑in‑the‑league roster, featuring the dynamic combo of point‑guard Javi Gonzales and center Jayson Tan, had posted a 5‑3 record before facing the Archers. La Salle, meanwhile, had a 7‑1 record but was dealing with injuries to star power forward James Tiu and point guard A.J. Calvo.
The Spin article noted that the stakes were high: a win would mean UP secured the 3rd seed, giving them a home‑court advantage in the “twice‑to‑beat” advantage in the finals series. The headline’s pun on “up out” highlighted the dual meaning—UP’s upward trajectory and the “up‑out” strategy of their offense that would prove too much for La Salle to handle.
Game‑Changers: Key Performances and Pivotal Moments
1. Javi Gonzales: 28 Points, 10 Assists, 7 Rebounds
The article’s “Game‑Changers” section devotes a paragraph to Gonzales, who was named the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP) for the season. He shot 10‑of‑15 from the field, including a crucial three‑pointer at the buzzer that turned a 72‑71 deficit into a 75‑71 lead. The Spin writers quoted Gonzales after the game: “We know we’re the underdogs. Tonight, we played like we’re on a mission.”
2. Jayson Tan: 12‑point, 10‑rebound, 3‑assist double‑double
The article highlighted Tan’s presence in the paint. His defensive blocks on La Salle’s leading scorer, James Tiu, limited the Archers to 37% shooting from the field. Tan also made the clutch play of the game: a 20‑foot layup in the final seconds that sealed the win.
3. La Salle’s Struggles: James Tiu and A.J. Calvo
The writers noted the Archers’ injuries were their biggest handicap. Tiu, who had been averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds in the first four games, played only 32 minutes and was visibly out of rhythm. Calvo, the playmaker, missed a critical pass that allowed Gonzales to stretch the floor for a final three.
4. Coaching Decisions
UP’s head coach, Alvin "Al" Dizon, was praised for his “up‑out” play‑calling, which stretched La Salle’s defense and created open lanes. La Salle’s coach, John "Jumbo" Llamas, struggled to adjust; he attempted a half‑court offense, but it failed to stop Gonzales’ penetration.
A Night That Broke the Mold
The article’s narrative thread is the idea of “revenge.” UP had been humbled by La Salle in the previous season’s finals, losing 83‑75 in two games. Tonight, the Maroons had finally turned the tables—no small feat, considering La Salle’s roster depth and experience. The piece emphasizes that this victory wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard but a psychological win over a dynasty.
The article also mentioned the significance of the “up‑out” strategy—an unconventional playbook that emphasizes speed and verticality, a philosophy that UP’s young players had embraced under Coach Dizon’s guidance. The Spin writers linked this tactic to a feature article on “How UP’s New Playing Style Is Turning Heads in the UAAP.” That feature delved into the training regimen that helped the Fighting Maroons develop the stamina and versatility necessary to execute “up‑out” plays at high intensity.
Beyond the Court: Community Impact and Future Outlook
The Spin piece closed with reflections on the broader impact of the win. The UP student body celebrated in the halls, with banners reading “U–P Says We’re Here!” The article also linked to a social‑impact story titled “UP’s Basketball Upset: What It Means for College Sports in the Philippines,” which looked at how the victory could attract more talent to the campus and increase funding for the athletic department.
Looking ahead, the article projected a tight finals series against La Salle. It quoted Dizon, who stated, “We’re not done yet. We’ll go back to the drawing board and build on what worked tonight.” The Spin writers suggested fans should also keep an eye on the “Pre‑Season Preview” piece on La Salle’s next game to gauge whether they can mount a comeback.
Key Takeaways
- UP’s historic win over La Salle gave them a crucial 3rd seed and a “twice‑to‑beat” advantage for the finals.
- Javi Gonzales and Jayson Tan were the standout performers, combining offense, defense, and leadership.
- Injuries to La Salle’s core—particularly James Tiu and A.J. Calvo—were significant factors.
- The “up‑out” strategy proved too dynamic for La Salle’s defense, signaling a new playing style for UP.
- Community and future implications point to a rejuvenated UAAP landscape where the Fighting Maroons could emerge as the next dominant force.
The article, in all its detail, paints a comprehensive picture of an emotional night for UP fans, a pivotal moment in UAAP history, and the start of a potentially new era in Philippine collegiate basketball.
Read the Full SPIN Article at:
[ https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/revenge-seeking-up-out-to-cause-more-problems-for-la-salle-a2437-20251122 ]
