On the day the statistical points were released that put Kevin Quiambao as the presumptive UAAP Season 86 MVP, he failed to show up for De La Salle University in one of the most important games of his collegiate career.
The UP Fighting Maroons ran through the Green Archers by 30 points, 97-67, to move a win away from clinching the Men’s Basketball Championship on Wednesday in front of 17,129 fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Quiambao was limited to just 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the field, six rebounds, and three assists. Moreover, he was a minus-22 in his 31 minutes and 44 seconds on the floor.
And he offered no excuses.
“After the game, talagang syempre… Sobrang nadismaya lalo na sa pinakita ko, as in minus-22? Sobrang sama,” said the 6-foot-4 do-it-all forward.
However, all is not lost for La Salle.
It will have an opportunity to force a decider in Game Two on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Moments after the crushing blow, Quiambao is already thinking of the Green Archers’ fightback.
“Good thing naman series itong Finals na ito so may Game Two pa. For us, yung mindset namin kailangan namin ibahin, yung approach namin sa game,” said the Muntinlupa native.
“Medyo na-disappoint talaga ako sa pinakita ko, pero this coming Game Two, expect niyo na ibang Kevin Quiambao ang makikita niyo.”
Before the do-or-die game for La Salle, Quiambao is expected to receive the MVP award but he is in no mood to discuss this individual accolade. He just wants his team to live another day.
“For me, hindi ko naman iniisip yung MVP award. Siguro isipin ko lang kung ano yung kailangan namin i-improve next game kasi sobrang halaga ng game na yun.”
