By Jun Ray Navarres
Defending Champions De La Salle University outlasted University of Santo Tomas, 94-87 to stay up top of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball rankings on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
In what could possibly be a preview of the Final Four match up, UST charged a 19-6 run in the fourth quarter to set the game in a deadlock, 80-80 and force an extra five minutes.
But chills struck the side of the Growling Tigers as they failed to make three of their four free throws. While La Salle converted all seven trips down the charity line which resulted to an 89-81 advantage.
Mike Phillips extended the gap to double digits after a lay-up. 91-81 with only less than two minutes to go.
“We were not surprised on how UST played. We always remind ourselves that every team will go all out competing against us. We made a lot of mistakes down the line, it’s just another opportunity for us to learn,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson.
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao immediately set the court on fire, leading DLSU to a 14-0 opening until Nic Cabañero stopped the bleeding with a fadeaway at the 6:35 mark of the first quarter.
The Green Archers continued their momentum in the second frame, doubling USTs score at one point, 40-20 but the Growling Tigers sported a 9-2 mini run to prevent any further damage at half time, 42-29.
Both teams went up and down the hardcourt exchanging buckets, but La Salle was able to manage their lead in double digits. UST found some footing and ended the quarter with only nine points to chase, 56-65.
Built on a newfound momentum, the fourth quarter UST run happened.
The Growling Tigers had a few attempts to nail the game including the final shot of Forthsky Padrigao but they failed to convert.
“I think ‘yung lesson na nakuha namin is kailangan namin takbuhin ‘yung sistema namin from first to fourth kasi hindi naman natatapos ‘yung game ng third quarter eh. After that medyo nagrelax kami and sinabi sa amin ni coach na alalahanin na baka mag comeback ang UST be prepared,” said Quiambao who finished with a career-high 29 points, the most scored by a single player this season, nine rebounds and three assists.
Phillips put together 16 points and 13 rebounds while Raven Gonzales chalked up 11 points and four rebounds in 11 minutes of play.
Nic Cabañero led UST with 23 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals as they fall down to 4-5, still at fourth but just a half game ahead of Adamson University.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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