To celebrate, they then set up a bonfire in the Sunken Garden in UP Diliman turning it into a party central that day. Jubilation and good vibes were shared as live music and fireworks immersed every Isko and Iska for the gamely-sought glory. Hundreds of UP students joined and gathered at the place that evening. Singing “UP Naming Mahal”, the students and alumni expressed their joy and unwavering support for the UP Fighting Maroons.
Dan Palami, the UP team manager told Jane Bracher that the party is more of a celebration of ending the losing streak which lasted for 720 disappointing days than getting their first win.
“There is no way but UP,” UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan stated, describing the much-anticipated win, “Ang tagumpay ng UP ay tagumpay din ng buong bayan dahil sila ay mga iskolar ng bayan.” (The victory of UP is also the victory of the whole country because they are the country’s scholars.) Moreover, he also said that UP [We] has proven that they excel not just in academics but in other aspects as well.
Along with that, he also mentioned that one of the motivations of the UP players to win the game was the strong support from the alumni. UP alumnus Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero had donated basketball equipment to the team.
Meanwhile, Mikee Reyes, who led the Fighting Maroons with 28 points, gave his gratitude to the whole UP community for the support, “To the whole UP community, thank you. Even if it’s a small win, we have to start somewhere.”
Palami said the team wants to savor the end of drought for the fighting maroons and that the team was overwhelmed by the support of the community.
It was indeed a long wait but it was worth it. The next games will decide if it is the start of the rise of the UP’s basketball team.
