Kevin Quiambao has fully embraced his role as one of De La Salle University’s leaders, alongside Mike Phillips, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
When the University of Santo Tomas mounted a furious comeback on Wednesday night, Quiambao didn’t just lead with words—he delivered on the court.
As the Growling Tigers slashed the Green Archers’ once-20-point lead down to three late in the fourth quarter, Quiambao stepped up and drained a crucial three-pointer to extend the lead to 80-74.
Though UST forced overtime at 80-all, Quiambao rallied his teammates in the extra period. He kick-started the scoring with a layup, sparking the Green Archers’ surge that eventually sealed their 94-87 victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Tulad nga ng sinasabi namin sa isa’t isa, kaming lahat, basketball is a game of runs. Nung time na nagra-run sila, di namin makuha yung parang groove namin. Lead by example lang. Di naman take over, pakitaan lang namin ng actions na maganda,” said Quiambao, explaining how he responded when UST began to close the gap.
The reigning UAAP MVP poured in a career-high 29 points, the highest-scoring game of the season so far, surpassing his previous best of 24 points from Game 3 of the Season 86 Finals last December.
The Muntinlupa-native also added nine rebounds and three assists, contributing heavily during La Salle’s explosive 14-0 start, where he scored 13 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kailangan lang namin sundin yung sistema, wag tayo lilihis kasi may mga tendencies kami na pag nagra-run yung kalaban, nagkakanya-kanya kami. Sinabi ko lang sa team, sinabi lang namin na mga veterans na laban lang, value every possession, at kung ano yung pinapagawa, gawin lang yung gusto nating gawin,” the 6-foot-6 forward shared, reflecting on how the team handled UST’s run.
After nearly squandering their lead, which could have cost them the game and their top spot in the standings, Quiambao urged his teammates to stay disciplined and play the right way throughout the entire game.
La Salle will return to action on Saturday against Adamson University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“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,” he added.
