IT'S still Kevin Quiambao's world and we're all just living in it.
The reigning Season and Finals MVP saved La Salle from the jaws of defeat, delivering a 78-75 escape from National University to begin their title retention bid on a high.
Quiambao drilled the go-ahead trey from the left wing with 9.8 seconds left that broke a 75-all deadlock and ultimately punctuated the Green Archers' telling 14-4 finishing kick Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Di nagki-click yung mga gusto namin. Pinoint out ko lang sa sarili ko na kailangan kong mag-take over at kailangan namin ng guy na masasandalan nila,” said the 6-foot-7 do-it-all player, who anchored this win with 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
It was the biggest basket in this still-young UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, one he took over a floored Steve Nash Enriquez, as the Taft side battled back from a seven-point deficit in the final five minutes.
Of course, it was Quiambao who proved to be the difference.
“That’s the beauty about having him. He will always make the right decisions,” said coach Topex Robinson. “Sabi niya nga, sisisihin ko rin siya kahit anong mangyari.”
Michael Phillips remained as steady down low with a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, as EJ Gollena nabbed 10 in the opening day win that was also thanks to staying disciplined on defense, securing crucial offensive rebounds, and making game-changing stops down the stretch.
“What’s good about those last possessions was our defense, the way those guys defended and got those crucial stops was a testament to how much these guys want to win,” said Robinson.
Bulldogs go home frustrated once more
The Bulldogs just couldn’t finish the job yet again, as Reinhard Jumamoy and Jake Figueroa missed their chances to force overtime.
Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while PJ Palacielo stepped up with 15 and 12 in this stinging first loss where they looked like they were well on their way to redeeming themselves after last season’s semifinal setback.
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.
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