By NIKOLE JAVIER
MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao’s late-game heroics towed De La Salle past University of the Philippines, 88-79, in the UAAP Season on Sunday night, Nov. 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With the win – its longest streak at 4 – La Salle kept its bid alive for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs as they improved their record to 7-3 – thanks largely to Quiambao’s 22 points and 12 boards.
Quiambao was at his best in the closing period when he tallied 11 of La Salle’s last 14 points that made the difference. He also had three crucial steals down the stretch in a fitting sequel to his heroics against National Bulldogs last week.
Four other Green Archers breached the double-digit mark, with Evan Nelle delivering 17 points, 6 assists and 4 boards.
Michael Phillips ended up with a double-double showing of his own with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Jonnel Policarpio and Francis Escandor had 11 points apiece in the balanced attack.
Before coming home with the payback win, La Salle recovered after completely blowing away its biggest advantage of 53-39 in the match as CJ Cansino hit the lead-taking bank shot with 4:45 remaining in the game, 74-75.
However, Quiambao, who suffered a cut on his left temple in the second period after being fouled by Luis Pablo, took charge from there on.
The UP side’s fightback saw the game in a tight 78-77 affair following Cansino’s jumper to pull the squad within just one.
But it was the last time the Fighting Maroons ever came within distance as Quiambao’s late explosion and Nelle’s late-game triple pretty much sealed the victory.
DLSU 88 – Quiambao 22, Nelle 17, M. Phillips 15, Policarpio 11, Escandor 11, Nonoy 3, Abadam 3, Cortez 2, Austria 2, Manuel 2, B. Phillips 0, David 0, Macalalag 0, Nwankwo 0.
UP 79 – Cansino 20, Felicilda 13, Alarcon 10, Abadiano 9, Pablo 6, Briones 5, Torculas 4, Lopez 4, Alter 2, Belomonte 2, Torres 2, Fortea 2, Gagate 0.
Quarters: 22-14, 51-39, 66-59, 88-79.
