By MARK REY MONTEJO
Defending champion De La Salle University hammered out an 80-65 win over rival Ateneo to score its seventh consecutive win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Saturday evening, Oct. 26, at Mall of Asia Arena.
After clinching the first Final Four spot, the Green Archers were nothing but impressive, unleashing big hits especially in the fourth frame thanks to Kevin Quiambao’s another stellar outing to deny the Blue Eagles’ late rally.
Quiambao, the reigning MVP, posted another monster statline of career-high 33 points – 18 in the first half – on top of 13 rebounds and two assists. He also drilled five triples of La Salle’s 10 3-point field goals.
“Good win, pero malayo pa kami sa gusto naming puntahan,” said Quiambao. “Sabi ni coach bakawin ko na eh, kaya binakaw ko na.”
Joshua David and EJ Gollena provided nine apiece in La Salle’s second win against its archrival to following its 74-61 victory over Ateneo last Sept. 15. The triumph also marked the first sweep by the Green Archers over the Blue Eagles since 2013.
Chalking up his career-high as well, Jared Bahay cashed in 22 markers – the lone double-digit scorer for Ateneo – while Chris Koon, Kristian Porter, and Shawn Tuano added 9, 8 and 8 points in a losing effort.
Aside from its seven-game win streak, the Taft-based squad remains atop of the standings with 10-1 card while Ateneo went down as it endures its seventh defeat for a 3-7 win-loss record.
The Topex Robinson-mentored squad immediately made its presence felt, dropping a 15-4 run then preserved its advantage heading into the break, 42-33.
Mike Phillips had a quiet four points but collared 13 rebounds.
La Salle’s breakaway was sufficient to spoil Bahay and Koon’s run for Ateneo in the waning minutes of the final salvo.
