UP center Quentin Millora-Brown against Ateneo in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Quentin Millora-Brown will miss University of the Philippines’ second-round duel against defending champion La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development said Millora-Brown flew back to the US to rejoin his family due to the passing of his grandfather.

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“We understand, we respect, and we support Q’s decision na umuwi muna to spend time with his family,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde. “The MBT and, I’m sure, buong UP community are with him ngayon, as they mourn the loss of a family member. Let’s all pray for him.”

READ: UAAP: Quentin Millora-Brown takes pride in his rebounding ways

The one-and-done center is averaging 8.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 11 games.

Millora-Brown has been filling in the void left by former MVP Malick Diouf.

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Without their 6-foot-10 big, Monteverde will bank on Francis Lopez, Mark Belmonte, Aldous Torculas, Gani Stevens, Sean Alter, and Dikachi Ududo.

READ: UAAP: Quentin Millora-Brown, unbeaten UP look to stay grounded

UP, now assured of a twice-to-beat advantage with a 9-2 record, seeks to bounce back from last week’s defeat to National University and redeem itself from a first-round loss to last year’s Finals tormentor La Salle. 

Millora-Brown will fly back to Manila, arriving on Wednesday to rejoin UP in its playoff push.