MANILA, Philippines – When it doubt, trust Kevin Quiambao.
The La Salle Green Archers’ game plan in the clutch looked incredibly simple, but worked to astounding effect as the Quiambao-led endgame pushed the defending UAAP men’s basketball champions past the gutsy NU Bulldogs, 78-75, to start their title defense in cardiac fashion on Sunday, September 8.
The reigning MVP and pro-ready superstar calmly scored 9 of his 22 points in the final 14-4 run from down 64-71 in the fourth quarter, capped with a booming triple with just 9.8 seconds left in regulation.
NU had plenty of time to force overtime, but La Salle guarded sophomore Reinhard Jumamoy well in the final possession as he hoisted a triple that clanked off as time expired.
Quiambao also added 8 rebounds and 7 assists as Michael Phillips chipped in a 12-point, 11-board double-double.
“Well, we know as advertised, most of the games that we’re gonna play are going to be like this. What’s good about this experience against NU [is that it’s] gonna make us better. We really have to find ways to win,” a relieved La Salle head coach Topex Robinson said after the game.
“We know that all teams are gonna be out there guns blazing every time that they’re going to be up against us.”
Jake Figueroa scattered 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the heartbreaking collapse, tied with burly PJ Palacielo, who also scored 15 on top of 12 boards, 3 steals, and 2 dimes.
The Scores
La Salle 78 – Quiambao 22, M. Phillips 12, Gollena 10, Abadam 8, Ramiro 6, Gonzales 6, Macalalag 5, David 4, Agunanne 2, Dungo 2, Marasigan 1, Konov 0.
NU 75 – Figueroa 15, Palacielo 15, Manansala 10, Padrones 7, Jumamoy 6, Francisco 6, Enriquez 4, Yu 2, Garcia 2, Lim 2, Perciano 2, Santiago 2, Dela Cruz 2, Diassana 0.
Quarters: 23-18, 45-45, 60-65, 78-75.
– Rappler.com