LA SALLE blew a 17-point lead in regulation before ousting defending champion National Chengchi University from Chinese Taipei, 87-82, in the 2024 World University Basketball Series (WUBS) on Sunday in Tokyo, Japan.
READ: La Salle on track to match archrival Ateneo's WUBS championship
The Green Archers led, 57-40, in the third quarter and still held a 76-74 margin with 2.6 seconds left in regulation, but a Kevin Quiambao pass to CJ Austria that was intercepted by Yun Chieh-lee led to Te Chi-hsu's tying basket.
But in true MVP fashion, Quiambao redeemed himself in overtime by scoring five of La Salle’s 11 points, including a quick four-point run that all but sealed the Green Archers' place in the title game.
Quiambao dropped 17 markers in 17 minutes, most of which in crunch time, behind a masterful double-double from Michael Phillips with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Earl Abadam was also a revelation for the defending UAAP champions with 13 points to his name.
As was the case in their tournament opener, newcomer Henry Agunnane (nine points) and the returning JC Macalalag (eight points) helped La Salle's cause alongside another new face in Lian Ramiro with a near double-double of nine points and eight boards/
La Salle now aims to add to its preseason silverware collection in the WUBS gold medal match versus Korea University on Monday, 5:40 p.m. Manila time.
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