Fighting Maroons outlast host team Taiwan for BLIA Cup title

MVP Kobe Paras was the highest pointer of the championship at 37 points, fifteen of the points in the fourth quarter alone. (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

It’s a celebration for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, as they captured the top title in the recently concluded 2019 Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Cup after an exciting four-point victory, 97-93, over the Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kobe Paras was the highest pointer of the championship at 37 points, 15 of the points in the fourth quarter alone. Teammate Bright Akhuetie, who is the reigning University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) MVP, chipped a double-double of 22 points and 20 rebounds. Jun Manzo, who is the team captain, contributed 15 points, while Jaybie Mantilla and James Spencer worked together to contribute 18. 

The Coach Bo Perasol-led squad bested out eight teams for the top crown, also defeating the National Taiwan Sports University, Huaquiao University, National Kaosiung Normal University, and Vanguard University for a clean five-win and zero-loss sweep.

This is the second time a Filipino team obtained the BLIA Cup gold, the last being the De La Salle Green Archers in 2017.

On their official Facebook page, the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team made the announcement saying, “BROUGHT THAT BABY HOME. UPMBT would like to show its gratitude to all of their sponsors and alumni who helped them in this championship journey, including the Filipinos here in Taiwan who gave their time and effort to support and watch their games live at the Kaohsiung Arena” referring to the numerous Filipino fans waving the nation’s flag at the venue.