KEVIN Quiambao said no coronation just yet.
With talks of his impending future in Korea running rampant, the newly crowned back-to-back UAAP MVP made it clear that his focus on the present is on La Salle and La Salle only.
And for the Green Archers, this is all that matters: getting one more shot - in four days, to be exact - to defend their throne with KQ leading the way.
Quiambao went bonkers when it mattered most, pouring 11 points in the fourth quarter, including two backbreaking three-pointers in the last two minutes to salvage a gutsy 76-75 Game Two triumph over the University of the Philippines on Wednesday.
In front of a wild 17,112-strong crowd at Mall of Asia Arena, the pride of Muntinlupa City reminded everyone why he is the undisputed best collegiate player in the land, carrying the green-and-white back from a 73-66 deficit in the last 4:35.
READ: 190KQ: Kevin Quiambao greatly rewarded for second straight MVP
Still, Quiambao left the door open for the Fighting Maroons, muffing both of his free throws with 12.1 seconds left.
However, Francis Lopez bobbled the ball at halfcourt then Gerry Abadiano front-rimmed what could have been the championship-clinching jumper at the buzzer.
"I don't know what happened. I'm just at a loss for words," admitted coach Topex Robinson of that dramatic finish. "We're so grateful that we get to see another day and play another game of championship."
"KQ is just one of us. When we were down and out, these guys just told everybody to not give up, keep on playing, and I guess we made the necessary stops to give us a chance in the endgame."
Game Three is on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
KQ finishes what Motor Mike started
Quiambao led the way for the Taft side with 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal, saving one more game for the Lasallian faithful.
Michael Phillips also gave it his all with 18 points, 12 boards, and two steals, with his undergoal stab at the 1:07 mark of the game proving to be the difference-maker in the tense battle which saw both teams miss a combined eight free throws in the last minute.
No doubt, it was a bungled chance for UP, which wasted JD Cagulangan’s second half efforts. as he had 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists after spurring State U’s blazing third quarter to erect a 62-54 lead.
But Lopez fumbled the bag late, muffing four freebies for the Fighting Maroons, while also committing two costly turnover in the last minute which spoiled his 16-point and 7-rebound night.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 76 – Quiambao 22, M. Phillips 18, Macalalag 9, Gollena 9, Gonzales 8, Austria 5, David 3, Agunanne 2, Ramiro 0, Rubico 0, Marasigan 0.
UP 75 – Cagulangan 16, Lopez 16, Abadiano 16, Millora-Brown 11, Alarcon 5, Torres 5, Ududo 2, Torculas 2, Stevens 2, Bayla 0, Fortea 0, Felicilda 0.
Quarters: 28-22, 39-36, 54-62, 76-75.
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