Kevin Quiambao and Topex Robinson shared a big hug in the second quarter of De La Salle University’s 74-61 triumph over archrival Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday evening.
They told the story behind the moment after their match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena that drew 12,478 green-blooded and blue-blooded fans.
“May sequence na na-turnover ako dahil nakita ko si Henry Agunanne na nagri-rim run, so sabi sakin ni Coach Topex, ‘Ba’t mo binabato kung saan-saan yung bola? Mas okay na itira mo!’” shared the reigning Most Valuable Player.
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The 6-foot-6 all-around forward then responded with an alley-oop pass to Raven Gonzales, who then nailed the layup.
In the next play, Quiambao brought the ball down then pulled up from downtown, draining a triple that fired up the De La Salle crowd as they went up 36-25 with 4:22 left in the second frame.
There, the intense embrace happened.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“So yung third sequence na nakadalawang pasa ako kay Raven, tapos nakatira ako ng three points, nung shumoot, tinignan ko kaagad si coach tapos sabi ko ano sisisihin mo pa ulit ako? Na-shoot ko na!” told Quiambao.
“Yung mga moment na yun yung ine-enjoy ko, kasi every game, may mga moment ka na kailangan mong i-treasure. Mahalaga para sa akin na player na may ganung relationship sa coach and nagagawa namin yung gusto namin sa court.”
Quiambao, who was put in a box-and-one defense by the Blue Eagles the entire match, finished the game with 13 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals although he went 4-of-14 from the field and committed four turnovers.
Robinson, on the other hand, also showed his appreciation for the bond he has formed with his players.
“A lot of times we just try to remind each other, this guy (KQ) always reminds me if I’m getting so emotional, and this guy reminds me also if I’m losing it so we always try to help each other out because we get lost especially me,” said the second-year Green Archers head coach.
“It’s really nice to have that kind of relationship with these guys wherein we kinda flattened the hierarchy that I’m not the head coach, I just happen to have the title.”
