UP Fighting Maroons Crowned Champions of 25th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay Tournament, Capture ₱800,000 Prize

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - In a night filled with intensity, pride, and deafening cheers from the crowd, the UP Fighting Maroons rose above the San Beda Red Lions – Wow Titay to claim the championship of the Gov. Ann K Hofer Invitational Basketball Tournament in line with the 25th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay celebration with a hard-fought 75–67 victory.

From the opening tip-off, both teams displayed championship grit. San Beda’s discipline and experience kept the game tight, while UP answered with relentless energy and composure. Every possession mattered. Every basket drew roars from the stands. But as the final quarter unfolded, the Fighting Maroons found another gear, tightening their defense, controlling the tempo, and converting crucial plays down the stretch.

When the final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard read UP 75 – San Beda 67, the Maroons erupted in celebration. Players embraced at center court, the bench spilled onto the floor, and supporters cheered wildly. It was not just a win, it was a statement. Leading the charge was Russel Ogana, who delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight. Calm under pressure and fearless in key moments, Ogana powered UP’s offense and anchored crucial sequences that kept San Beda at bay. His outstanding display earned him the title of Finals Most Valuable Player, a recognition that underscored his leadership and heart on the biggest stage of the tournament.

The championship also came with a significant reward, the top cash prize of ₱800,000, a testament to the prestige and competitiveness of the Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay Tournament.

For Zamboanga Sibugay, the finals game was more than just a sporting event. It was a celebration of unity and passion, part of the province’s 25th founding anniversary festivities. The electric atmosphere inside the venue reflected how deeply basketball runs in the veins of the community. Families, students, and fans from across the province gathered not only to watch elite collegiate programs compete, but to witness history in the making.

San Beda fought valiantly until the final minute, showcasing why they remain one of the country’s most respected programs. But on this night, the Fighting Maroons stood taller, played stronger, and finished with greater resolve.

With a final score of 75–67, UP etched its name into the history of the 25th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay Tournament, champions not only in points scored, but in heart displayed. And as the celebration echoed through the arena, one thing was clear, this was a night that players and fans alike will remember for years to come.