3. SHOOTING DOWN THE HOUSE
YEAR: 1984
Championship games are a test of a team’s combined offensive might and defensive prowess. But during the 1984 finals the University of the East Red Warriors’ Allan Caidic and UST’s Pido Jarencio proved just how entertaining a shoot-out could be. UST and UE had tussled for the crown the year before, with UE outclassing the boys from España. The Glowing Goldies were out for redemption. Behind long-range specialist Jarencio’s awesome 48 points, UST seemed on its way to championship glory. But, just like he would do in his pro and national team stints, Caidic answered with an equally outstanding 46 points to help his alma mater snatch the crown and co-create arguably the greatest offensive duel the UAAP has ever seen.

4. TWICE DENIED
YEAR: 2002
Ah, Ateneo-La Salle, the greatest rivalry college basketball has ever seen. Every meeting is a fight for pride. Every game is a classic. The archrivals, who had met the year before in the finals with La Salle hacking out a much-deserved fourth straight title, faced each other anew for the 2002 diadem. Game one of that series is best remembered for its final moments. Down by two with 9.2 seconds remaining La Salle’s crafty swingman Mac Cardona hurriedly dribbled towards their basket, closely guarded by Ateneo’s Larry Fonacier. Known for his amazingly accurate hook shots, Cardona pulled up for one in the shaded lane for the equalizer, which was blocked by Fonacier. Cardona would retrieve the ball and attempt another hook shot, he was again denied by the outstretched arms of Fonacier. Ateneo won, 72-70, and would, a week later, eventually capture the crown in a do-or-die game. Fonacier would be awarded the Finals Most Valuable Player award.