By Jun Ray Navarres
Defending champions De La Salle University took advantage of the absence of JD Cagulangan to dismantle University of the Philippines, 68-56, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the SM MOA arena.
In front of 16,106 fans, the Green Archers spoiled the third quarter blitz of UP to deal the latter its first loss this season and share solo lead plus taking the advantage due to “win over the other” rule.
“We’re just very happy with how things turned out… Alam naman namin what UP can do and capable of doing. We’re just happy the players responded,” said La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario.
Leading by 20, 35-15 late in the first half, DLSU found themselves in a troublesome situation after Harold Alarcon dropped a getaway lay-up, commanding a 27-7 charge for UP to tie the ball game, 42-42.
La Salle retaliated off last year’s MVP Kevin Quiambao’s leadership to mount a 7-0 nothing run and end the third period in a better position, 51-46.
JC Macalalag extended the gap further with a three, 62-51 midway through the final quarter. UP cut the lead down to single digit with Francis Lopez’ drive before KQ and Joshua David nailed the coffin of UP.
“Coming into this game, sinabi lang sa amin ng coaching staff ‘Believe and Faith’ na kaya naming talunin lahat ng team so ‘yung pagkatalo namin sa UE is a wake-up call sa amin. This game sobrang gigil kami na makuha itong panalo na ito kasi marami pa kami kailangang iimprove,” said Quiambao, who filled the stat sheet with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
David followed closely with 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Oppositely, Alarcon continued to take over for the Fighting Maroons after missing Cagulangan and backup Janjan Felicilda, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds and three steals.
One-and-done Quentin Millora-Brown added 10-point, 10-rebound double-double alongside four rejections.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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