Big players always make big plays, and Kevin Quiambao demonstrated why he was such a prized recruit for De La Salle University.
The Gilas Pilipinas pool member contributed 18 points and nine rebounds in 25:23 minutes of action. And he led the Green Archers to a big 82-80 win over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“Yung first half ko, two points lang ako nung first half. Kumbaga bumalik yung memory ng first game na parang may rookie jitters nga. Sabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi pwede mangyari uli yun,” said Quiambao.
“Nag-step up lang kami kahit lamang yung kalaban nung third quarter. Magaling yung UP sa third quarter so sinunod lang namin yung sistema ni coach and sabi nga ni coach hindi naman natin matatalo yan ng pagalingan.”
To say that La Salle has had a roller coaster season so far is an understatement. The Green Archers – tipped by many to challenge the Fighting Maroons for the championship – remain in danger of not making it to the Final Four this season.
Quiambao’s performance, which saw him score 13 points in the fourth quarter, can go a long way in setting things right for the Taft school as it fights to seal a postseason ticket amidst other contenders who are trying to do the same thing.
“I think in the first half as he mentioned, medyo he was out of sync,” said La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren. “He just kept playing. In the fourth quarter, he just took over the ballgame. That gave us the momentum shift nung nag-dominate si Kevin dun – not just offensively but also defensively.
“He even took the challenge. He knows Tamayo’s gonna take over the ballgame. He himself said I’m gonna take care of him this fourth quarter.”
Now, La Salle’s focus shifts to another crucial game. Up next for them is a clash against National University, which already sealed a place in this season’s Final Four.
The last time the Green Archers enjoyed such a big win, it was in the first round against arch-rival Ateneo de Manila University. They were on such a high that they were upset in their next game at the hands of University of the East.
If Quiambao and the rest of the Green Archers are serious about making it to the Final Four, then they have to finish business this time around against the Bulldogs.
“Kumbaga ayaw na namin mangyari yung nangyari sa amin nung nanalo kami against Ateneo and yung next game namin natalo kami. Kailangan lang namin i-improve pa yung mga pagkakamali namin ngayon,” said the Nazareth School of National University product.
“Sobrang happy ako sa pinakita ng team. Kumbaga collective effort lahat. Sobrang happy ako na nanalo kami against the defending champions. Move on na for the next game kasi tight ang race for the Final Four.”
