De La Salle University delivered a scintillating performance in its last broadcasted game before its title retention quest in the UAAP.
The Green Archers routed two-time defending Korean University League champion Korea University, 101-86, to claim the 2024 World University Basketball Series title on Monday evening at Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
It was a surprisingly dominant win for La Salle, coming off a tight 87-82 overtime victory over defending WUBS champion National Chengchi University just the day before.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the Philippines in this tournament. We seized the opportunity to compete against top college teams not only in Asia but also in the Pacific. It’s truly an honor for us to participate,” La Salle head coach Topex Robinson told Tiebreaker Times’ Lorenzo del Carmen after the game.
The Green Archers breezed past Indonesia’s Perbanas Institute, 117-71, in the quarterfinals last Saturday.
Against Korea University, La Salle was tested in the first three quarters, clinging to a 69-67 lead midway through the third quarter.
But then, the Green Archers received an unexpected boost from Nigerian big man Henry Agunanne.
The former CEU Scorpion sparked a blistering 8-2 run that energized the Green Archers.
Finding their momentum, Kevin Quiambao, along with rookies Vhoris Marasigan and Doy Dungo, exploited the Korean defense, eventually establishing a wide 92-73 lead with 6:44 remaining, which Korea University could not overcome.
WUBS TITLE BACK IN THE PHILIPPINES! 🇵🇭🏆
De La Salle University dominates Korea University to secure the championship and boost its momentum ahead of #UAAPSeason87! 🏀
📹 @LorenzodelC /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/QnEcSUXbYD
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 12, 2024
“It’s great to see our players stepping up, especially rookies like Vhoris Marasigan and Doy Dungo. Even Matt Rubico has shown a lot of promise. We’re excited to see these new players reinforce our veterans. Moving forward, this is a valuable opportunity for us before the season begins,” said Robinson.
Agunanne ended up with 25 points on a perfect 10-of-10 shooting clip, along with seven rebounds.
Marasigan scored 14 points, while Dungo had an all-around performance with 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
MVP? Who else but Kevin Quiambao! 🏹#WUBS2024
📹 @LorenzodelC /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/FU3pf81M27
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 12, 2024
Quiambao was named tournament MVP after averaging 15.67 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.67 assists in the tournament, including 15 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds in the clincher.
Mike Phillips also produced a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
La Salle is the second-ever Philippine university to win the tournament after Ateneo de Manila University achieved the same feat two years ago during the inaugural edition of the tournament.
Moon Yuhyeon, who was named the Best Defensive Player of the Tournament, scored a game-high 32 points for Korea University. Shin Jeueon added 14 points.
The Scores:
DLSU 101 – Agunanne 25, Quiambao 15, Phillips 14, Marasigan 14, Dungo 10, Cortez 8, Abadam 8, Macalalag 3, Almodovar 2, Ramiro 0.
KU 86 – Moon 32, Shim 14, Lee D 8, Kim D 6, Yoo 5, Kim T 5, Yun 5, Yang 4, Kim J 3, Kim M 2, Seok 2, Lee G 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 50-48, 77-73, 101-86.
La Salle head coach Topex Robinson on winning the #WUBS2024: “Honored to represent the Philippines and compete with top teams from Asia and the Pacific.”
📹 @LorenzodelC /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/vpGeGRlc1m
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 12, 2024
