Kevin Quiambao heroics push La Salle past NU

La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao reacts after hitting the game-winning basket against NU in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–La Salle stared at a seven-point deficit before Kevin Quiambao took over to lift the Green Archers over National University, 78-75, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Quiambao drained nine of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning triple with 9.8 seconds remaining, to bail out the defending champions.

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“Nag-live by example lang ako sa mga kakampi ko at pinakita ko lang kung ano ‘yung brand ng basketball namin. Good thing naman, nagki-click kami sa depensa sa last three minutes and then nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Quiambao.

READ: UAAP: Refusing to lose, Kevin Quiambao carries La Salle on his back

KQ on taking charge. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/9NF0KigV3q

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 8, 2024

“Lahat ng teams, ganyan magiging story samin. Gagawin nila yung best nila para matalo lang kami pero gagawin din namin ‘yung best namin,” he added.

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The 24-year-old forward also notched eight rebounds and seven assists, picking up where he left off after coming off an MVP campaign in Season 86.

Mike Phillips backstopped Quiambao with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds while EJ Gollena added 10 points.

“We know as advertised, most of the games that we’re gonna play are going to be like this. What’s good about this experience against NU [is that it’s] gonna make us better,” La Salle coach Topex Robinson said.

READ: La Salle’s Topex Robinson says new eligibility rules ‘unfair’

Quiambao with another go-ahead trey!

La Salle with a 78-75 advantage with 9.8 seconds to go. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Rj0En3hnfQ

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 8, 2024

“We really have to find ways to win. We know that all teams are gonna be out there guns blazing every time that they’re going to be up against us,” Robinson, who is in his second year calling the shots for La Salle, said.

Jake Figueroa and PJ Palacielo paced the Bulldogs with 15 points apiece. Palacielo also grabbed 12 rebounds.

Ian Manansala made a layup to knot things up at 75 before Quiambao’s go-ahead 3-pointer.