Kevin Quiambao had a debut to remember for De La Salle University, leading the Ecooil-backed squad to a 94-87 victory over Wangs Basketball @ 26-Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, Tuesday at Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
In his first official game as a Green Archer, Quiambao tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists to power his side to a 3-2 slate while dealing the Knights their first loss in four games.
And it was Quiambao who provided the timely buckets to seal off the Knights.
With the game knotted at 75-all midway through the final frame, JCee Macalalag scored on two straight buckets. That then gave La Salle a four-point cushion.
Quiambao then took matters into his own hands, burying a trey to answer a Kurt Reyson layup a possession prior.
Joaqui Manuel then scored on a triple followed by three more free throws from Quiambao to fend off a Letran fightback.
“We know what Kevin can bring to the table. He will make things happen for us and when he needed to score the basket, he made big shots,” said Green Archers head coach Derrick Pumaren.
Macalalag led La Salle with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, while Michael Phillips got a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Penny Estacio also delivered with 14 points built on three treys.
Letran, who was still without Rhenz Abando, had four players score in double-digits.
Paolo Javillonar got 19 points and six rebounds while Kurt Reyson produced 16 points on four triples. King Caralipio and Brent Paraiso added 12 markers each.
Fran Yu also debuted with seven points, four assists, and two steals.
La Salle will next face Adalem Construction – St. Clare tomorrow. Meanwhile, Letran takes on CEU on Thursday.
The Scores:
EcoOil-La Salle 94 — Macalalag 18, Quiambao 15, Estacio 14, M. Phillips 13, Manuel 11, Nwankwo 9, Buensalida 4, Cortez 4, Escandor 3, Alao 2, Abadam 1.
Wangs-Letran 87 — Javillonar 19, Reyson 16, Paraiso 12, Caralipio 12, Sangalang 8, Yu 7, Tolentino 6, Monje 4, Lantaya 0.
Quarterscores: 16-22, 38-42, 61-62, 94-87.
