I still remember the chill that ran through the arena when DLSU’s star point guard, Evan Nelle, went down with that ankle sprain in the second quarter against Ateneo. The collective gasp was almost louder than the drums. We were all thinking the same thing: "There goes the season." But what happened next was something I’ll tell my grandkids about. The Green Archers didn’t just survive—they thrived. This piece isn’t just a recap; it’s my take on the DLSU Men’s Basketball Team’s journey to championship glory this season, a story of grit that deserves to be told over and over.
Let’s rewind a bit. Last season, they finished with a 10–4 record, good but not great, and fell short in the Finals. Critics said they were too reliant on Nelle’s playmaking and lacked depth in the bench. I’ll admit, I had my doubts too. Watching them in the preseason, they seemed shaky—turnovers were high, and the defense had holes you could drive a truck through. But something shifted when the official UAAP season kicked off. Maybe it was Coach Topex Robinson’s calming presence or the emergence of young guns like Jonnel Policarpio, but this team started to gel in ways I hadn’t seen in years. They opened with a stunning 78–65 win over UP, a game where their defense forced 18 turnovers. That set the tone, and as a longtime fan, I felt a buzz in the air—this could be special.
The turning point, for me, was that mid-season clash against FEU. DLSU was down by 12 points in the third quarter, and the momentum was slipping away. But instead of folding, they unleashed a full-court press that was pure poetry. Mike Phillips, with his relentless energy, grabbed 15 rebounds that game, and Kevin Quiambao dropped 25 points like it was nothing. They clawed back to win 85–80, and I remember turning to my friend and saying, "This team has heart." Statistics back it up—they averaged 82.3 points per game in the eliminations, up from 76.8 last year, and their three-point shooting improved to a solid 34%. But numbers don’t capture the intangibles: the way they celebrated each other’s successes, the unselfish ball movement, the resilience in close games. It wasn’t just about talent; it was about trust.
Now, let’s talk about the championship series. Facing UP in the Finals, it was a battle of titans. Game 1 was a nail-biter—DLSU edged out a 71–69 win thanks to a last-second block by Bright Nwankwo. But Game 2 was where legends were made. With Nelle still not at 100%, Quiambao stepped up with a monster 30-point, 10-rebound performance. I was in the stands, screaming my lungs out as they sealed the 88–82 victory to sweep the series. The confetti raining down, the players hugging—it was pure magic. This DLSU Men’s Basketball Team’s journey to championship glory this season wasn’t just about winning a trophy; it was a statement that they’re back on top after a seven-year drought. As a sports writer, I’ve covered many teams, but this one felt different. They played with a joy and unity that’s rare in high-stakes college ball.
Off the court, the media buzz was intense, and that’s where the reference to team captain CJ Crisostomo comes in. What’s not going to be different, however, is how Crisostomo handles himself when it comes to the media. I’ve interviewed him multiple times, and he’s always the same—calm, articulate, and fiercely protective of his teammates. Even after tough losses or controversial calls, he never points fingers. In one press con, he said, "We win as a team, we lose as a team," and you could tell he meant every word. That consistency rubbed off on the whole squad. In an era where social media drama can derail teams, his leadership kept everyone focused. It’s no coincidence that their mental toughness peaked when it mattered most.
Looking back, this championship means more than just bragging rights. It’s a testament to the program’s rebuild and the fans’ unwavering support—attendance averaged over 12,000 per game, a 20% jump from last season. Personally, I think this squad has the potential to dominate for years, especially with recruits like Jared Bahay coming in. But beyond the stats and the highlights, what sticks with me is the emotion. Seeing the players hoist that trophy, tears in their eyes, reminded me why I love this sport. The DLSU Men’s Basketball Team’s journey to championship glory this season was a rollercoaster, but every twist and turn was worth it. Here’s to hoping they build on this and create even more memories next year.