By Jun Ray Navarres
Kevin Quiambao orchestrated De La Salle University’s complete revenge on National University, 88-78 in a rare triple-double performance in UAAP S86 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Saturday afternoon at the SM MOA Arena.
After a close 77-80 loss to the Bulldogs in round one, Quiambao went all out to secure the victory for the Green Archers in 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists, plus four steals.
UAAP last saw a triple-double output five years ago by now UP Fighting Maroon CJ Cansino who recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.
“First of all, nanggaling naman lahat ‘yan sa system nila coach. Nag doble effort lang ako dahil ‘yong first round nga natalo kami sa NU so parang may gusto akong patunayan na hindi na pwede maulit ‘yon,” said the MVP race leader Quiambao.
NU was still ahead by five at the 1:44 mark of the opening quarter but DLSU’s 18-5 run gave the Green Archers a 36-28 lead going into the midway of second stanza. DLSU went on to extend the deficit to 13 but the Bulldogs chipped it down to five, 39-44 with PJ Palacielo’s and-one basket.
Jonnel Policarpio and JC Macalalag stopped NU’s run with back-to-back threes to end the first half on a 50-39 lead. From then on, DLSU finished strong, disabling any possible counters by the Bulldogs.
Despite losing their main rebounder, Mike Phillips due to an ankle sprain, La Salle outrebounded NU, 48-35 including a 20-11 lead in offensive rebounding. They also outscored the latter in perimeter, 36-23.
Behind Quiambao, rookie bigman Policarpio finished with 15 points and four rebounds while Raven Cortez added nine baskets and seven boards. Evan Nelle started to get in his groove for a 14-point and seven assists performance.
“Aside from standings, we’re really focused on controlling the boards. During the first round, NU dominated us and naging challenge ‘yon sa mga players individually,” said La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario.
DLSU ended NU’s five game winning streak for an improved 6-3 record, just one game behind the Bulldogs’ 7-2 standing who dropped to second place.
Both teams will return to the same Pasay venue on November 5 to go against league leaders University of the Philippines for DLSU while Ateneo de Manila University for NU.
Featured photo courtesy of UAAP
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