By Jun Ray Navarres
Defending champions De La Salle University capitalized on a 15-4 third quarter run to spoil Ateneo De Manila University’s chances of returning to the winning column of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, 74-61 Sunday evening at the Big Dome.
MVP Kevin Quiambao had a stellar night of 13 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for a plus-13 efficiency in little less than 34 minutes of playing time to keep the Green Archers in front of the tourney.
“I think ‘yong mindset coming into this game na kailangan ko lang magstep-up. Binabox and one nila ako the whole game, sabi ko lang sa mga kasama ko na ‘be ready lang (kasi) may mga moments na kayo ang malilibre, dapat may confidence kayo to take the shot’,” said Quiambao who despite the showing, struggled 4-14 from the field.
Aside from the penultimate quarter blast, La Salle had troubles fending off the rookie-laden Blue Eagles, tightly contesting the game in the other three stanzas.
Ateneo even managed to tie 40-40 in the second period before La Salle ended the first half with a slim 44-40 lead.
And then the dreaded third period happened.
Sean Tuano took charge of closing the gap down to 13 with 1:15 left in the final quarter, but time wasn’t really on their side until the final buzzer sounded.
“We just stayed disciplined in what we do. We made a lot of mistakes along the line; we had 22 turnovers and that’s something we have to work on. Ateneo threw a lot of freak defense on us and good thing, we’re able to get our bearings back to get the win,” said coach Topex Robinson.
Fourth year Mike Phillips also added 13 points and 14 rebounds. JC Macalalag contributed nine.
Meanwhile, Tuano stole the limelight for Ateneo with 18 points and six rebounds while Jared Bahay continued struggling from the field in a 2-10 shooting.
La Salle will be facing the winless University of the East next on Sunday, while Ateneo looks to win first their first game on Saturday against Adamson University.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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