De La Salle University will always cherish the memories of Archers who shone brightly against archrival Ateneo de Manila University.
Legends like Joseph Yeo and Jeron Teng have left indelible legacies as Green Archers, particularly for their remarkable performances against the Blue Eagles.
Yeo scored 31 points in La Salle’s 76-72 overtime victory during the Season 63 Final Four, forcing a rubber match. 
Teng surpassed him in a later encounter, netting 32 points in their Season 77 round two clash.
Now, current King Archer Kevin Quiambao has joined this exclusive club, producing an impressive 33 points, along with 13 rebounds, two assists, and one steal in the Green Archers’ 80-65 triumph over the Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
When asked about achieving another career high just 10 days after scoring 29 points against the University of Santo Tomas, the Season 86 Finals MVP focused on his mistakes rather than celebrating his latest milestone.
“I think yung personal achievement, kusa naman dadating yun pag nag-stick ka sa game plan. Mahalaga nakuha namin yung panalo and then after this game, kailangan maging humble lalo na ako,” Quiambao said.
“Kumbaga, sa akin lahat sa game na to pero, yun nga, tulad ng sinasabi ni coach, madami pa kaming kailangang baguhin at trabahuin. We need to be better pa, lalo na ako as a leader kasi, yun nga, five turnovers na medyo crucial as a team. As a leader, take ko lang yun as a challenge and an opportunity na mag-grow ako.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Beyond Quiambao’s personal achievements, La Salle’s win was significant as it marked the first time the team swept Ateneo since Season 76.
Back then, Teng, Almond Vosotros, LA Revilla, Arnold Van Opstal, and Norbert Torres led the school to a championship under Coach Juno Sauler’s guidance.
This victory also extended the Green Archers’ winning streak over the Blue Eagles to three games, the longest during Coach Tab Baldwin’s tenure at Ateneo.
Quiambao emphasized the importance of adhering to the coaching staff’s instructions while occasionally deviating from them, which contributed to their success.
“It’s a good win for us,” Quiambao stated. “Pero malayo pa kami sa gusto naming mapuntahan. Sinabi sa amin ni coach na after this game, medyo matagal yung break namin so binigay niyo na yung all out niyo. Yun lang. Hinintay ko lang yung game kung saan pumunta sa akin. Sabi kasi sa akin ni coach mag-bwakaw na ako kaya bwinakaw ko na. Sumusunod lang po ako. Pasensya na.
“Nag-stick lang ako sa system at kung ano ang pinapagawa. Nag-stick lang kami sa game plan. May mga times na medyo lumilihis ako kasi, yun nga, may sariling agenda minsan. Pero tulad ng sinasabi ni coach sa amin, ‘Keep playing lang, keep valuing possessions and then tira mo lang kaysa ma-turnover. Tira mo na lang.’ Yun ang sinasabi sa amin ni coach.”
For his part, Robinson expressed gratitude for having such a player on his team.
The former coach of San Sebastian College, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters shared that during the team mass yesterday, he felt blessed to have someone like Quiambao at La Salle. He believes that the 6-foot-4 player’s impressive performances stem from his dedication off the court.
“Yun nga, you just have to trust him,” Robinson remarked. “He also knows sometimes that he’s forcing it. What I really like is that he always tells me na babawi siya lagi.
“Again, I guess, that’s having a person who’s man enough to admit that he’s forcing it, and then babawi siya. He really makes up for it. His teammates love him, and he loves his teammates. I think that’s what’s really important.”
