UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas sought a statement win.
La Salle had other plans, however.
Squandering an early 20-point lead, the Green Archers needed extra time to outpoise the Growling Tigers, 94-87, on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Kevin Quiambao, as always, came through for the defending champions, as he unloaded a season-high 29 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal to set the tone in the extension where La Salle held UST to a solitary field goal.
Michael Phillips also ran roughshod on the opposing frontcourt on his way to a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double, including the basket that made it a 91-81 affair with 1:53 remaining to secure their fifth straight W and remain alone atop the leaderboard at 8-1.
But it didn’t had to be this hard for the Green Archers, especially after a blazing 14-0 start which they then further extended to as high as 20.
Almost but not quite for UST
Yet the Growling Tigers kept coming, with Nic Cabanero putting the team on his shoulders and leading their spirited second half comeback.
Forthsky Padrigao would tie the game at the free throw line at 80 with 24.1 seconds left in regulation, but missed what would have been the go-ahead freebie, as well as muffed both of his three-point tries late in the fourth quarter.
That was when things went south for the Espana crew, which already lost Malian center Mo Tounkara in the fourth quarter and Christian Manaytay early in overtime, as La Salle raced to an 11-1 uprising to condemn the black-and-gold to back-to-back losses and a 4-5 standing
“We’re not surprised how UST will play. We remind ourselves that every team will be all-out playing us,” said Green Archers coach Topex Robinson, lamenting the 26 turnovers his side committed in the contest.
READ: Why ‘squatter’ remark hit home for La Salle coach Topex Robinson
“We made a lot of mistakes down the line and that’s part of our growth.”
Cabanero’s season-high 23 points on efficient 10-of-13 shooting, on top of 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals which all went for naught in the defeat.
So did Padrigao’s 15 points, three boards, three steals, and two assists, as well as Tounkara’s 14 and eight.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 94 – Quiambao 29, M. Phillips 16, Gonzales 11, Gollena 8, Agunanne 7, Austria 6, Macalalag 6, Dungo 6, David 3, Marasigan 2, Ramiro 0, Abadam 0, Konov 0, Rubico 0.
UST 87 – Cabanero 23, Padrigao 15, Tounkara 14, Pangilinan 10, Paranada 8, Manaytay 7, Llemit 3, Estacio 3, Crisostomo 2, Robinson 2, Acido 0, Mahmood 0, Lane 0, Danting 0.
Quarters: 27-14, 42-29, 65-56, 80-80, 94-87.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
