UAAP Basketball Finals Game 3 Highlights and Key Takeaways You Can't Miss

I still remember the tension in the arena during UAAP Basketball Finals Game 3—the air so thick with anticipation you could practically taste it. As someone who’s followed collegiate basketball for over a decade, I’ve witnessed countless finals, but this matchup between longtime rivals felt different. The energy was electric, and every possession carried the weight of an entire season’s worth of dreams and sacrifices. From where I sat, just a few rows behind the bench, I could see the players’ expressions shift from focused determination to raw emotion with every basket and turnover. What unfolded wasn’t just a game—it was a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and the kind of individual brilliance that defines careers.

The first quarter set the tone with both teams trading blows like heavyweight boxers feeling each other out. I noticed early on how the defensive adjustments from Game 2 were paying off—the full-court press was more disciplined, and rotations happened with almost choreographed precision. What really caught my eye, though, was how certain players stepped up when it mattered most. Take Palacielo, for instance. Having watched his development over the past three seasons, I can confidently say this was his breakout moment. He finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds—stats that only tell part of the story. His defensive presence in the paint disrupted at least five sure baskets by my count, and his decision-making in transition was nearly flawless. What impressed me most was his awareness that sustaining the gains from last campaign wasn’t just about maintaining statistics—it was about embracing the expanded role the coaching staff had entrusted to him this Season 88. I spoke with his former coach last month, who mentioned Palacielo had been putting in extra hours studying game film, particularly working on his weak-side defense. That work ethic showed every time he rotated to help a teammate or closed out on a shooter.

The third quarter brought what I believe was the turning point—a 12-2 run that shifted momentum decisively. The crowd’s roar became almost deafening as the lead changed hands four times in just under three minutes. From my perspective, the key wasn’t any spectacular individual play but rather the disciplined execution of what appeared to be simple pick-and-roll actions. The point guard—whose name I won’t mention since he’s had enough spotlight already—displayed incredible poise, reading the defense and making the right pass nearly every time down the court. What many casual viewers might have missed was how the team’s offensive spacing created driving lanes that simply weren’t there in previous games. They recorded 18 assists on 32 made field goals—an impressive 56% assist rate that speaks volumes about their unselfish play.

Let’s talk about defense for a moment because that’s where championships are truly won. The defensive rating of 89.3 points per 100 possessions during the second half was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering they were facing the league’s top offensive team. I’ve always believed defense is about heart more than scheme, and these players proved it with every contested shot and diving loose ball. The coaching staff made a brilliant adjustment at halftime, switching to a zone defense that completely disrupted their opponent’s rhythm. I counted at least six shot clock violations forced—a testament to how effectively they controlled the game’s tempo.

Now, about Palacielo’s development—this is something I find particularly fascinating. Last season, he averaged just 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, solid numbers but not spectacular. This year, he’s taken his game to another level, and it’s not by accident. The coaching staff deliberately put him in positions to succeed, running more plays through him in the high post and encouraging him to be more aggressive looking for his shot. But here’s what many analysts are missing—his improvement isn’t just about physical skills. It’s the mental growth that’s most impressive. He’s reading defenses better, making quicker decisions, and frankly, playing with a confidence I haven’t seen from him before. When I asked his teammate about this transformation last week, he mentioned how Palacielo has embraced being counted on for bigger responsibilities, often staying after practice to work on specific situations the team might face in crucial moments.

The fourth quarter was pure theater—the kind of basketball that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport. With three minutes remaining and the score tied, every possession felt like it could decide the championship. The atmosphere was so intense I found myself holding my breath during timeouts. What stood out to me during these pressure-packed moments was how the veterans maintained their composure while the younger players followed their lead. There were no forced shots, no panic in their execution—just methodical, intelligent basketball that ultimately secured the victory.

Looking back at the entire game, several key takeaways emerge that I believe will shape the remainder of the series. The bench contribution can’t be overlooked—their second unit outscored opponents 28-12, providing crucial energy when the starters needed rest. The rebounding advantage of 45-38 might not seem massive, but those extra possessions in a close game make all the difference. And perhaps most importantly, the team demonstrated a resilience we haven’t seen from them in previous seasons. When their opponents made runs—and they made several impressive ones—the response was always measured and effective rather than frantic.

As the final buzzer sounded and confetti rained down, I couldn’t help but feel we’d witnessed something special. Games like these are why I keep coming back season after season. The individual performances, the strategic battles, the emotional rollercoaster—it all adds up to create memories that last long after the statistics fade. For Palacielo and his teammates, this victory represents more than just one game won—it’s validation of the work they’ve put in and a stepping stone toward even greater achievements. The way I see it, we’re watching the emergence of players who understand that growth isn’t about dramatic transformations but about consistently building on previous successes. And honestly, that’s a lesson that extends far beyond the basketball court.