Despite playing their second game in two days, Kevin Quiambao and EcoOil-De La Salle University still showed out.
The Green Archers escaped with a 72-69 victory over upset-seeking NAASCU champions Adalem Construction-St. Clare Saints in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Tied at 69-all with nine seconds left, Quiambao scored on a jumper to give the Green Archers the lead. A turnover by Bam Lopez then led to a split on the stripe by Quiambao to extend La Salle’s lead to three with five seconds left.
“Instinct ko na lang noong huli to take over. God-willing na-shoot naman,” said Quiambao, who tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in the contest.
Johnsherick Estrada had a chance to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, though, his triple missed as time expired.
“We’re tired but this game is very important for both teams. At least nakaangat kami sa quarters,” said Green Archers head coach Derrick Pumaren.
The win pushed La Salle to the playoffs with a 4-2 record.
La Salle was also able to limit Estrada to just four points on 2-of-12 shooting. The reigning NAASCU MVP was averaging 19.0 points prior to the game.
Joshua Fontanilla got 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the loss.
La Salle closes out its elimination round campaign on Tuesday at Ynares Arena in Pasig at 3:00 PM against AMA. St. Clare, meanwhile, takes on Apex Fuel-San Sebastian earlier in the day.
The Scores:
Ecooil-La Salle 72 — Quiambao 18, Manuel 11, Austria 10, Buensalida 9, Macalalag 6, Cortez 6, Estacio 5, Abadam 4, Nwankwo 3, Alao 0.
Adalem-St. Clare 69 — Fontanilla 14, Sablan 12, Manacho 10, Rojas 10, Estacio 6, Gamboa 6, Estrada 4, Sumagaysay 3, Ndong 2, Lopez 2, Tapenio 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 30-35, 51-52, 72-69.
